Empowering Youth: St. Rita Parish Hosts Inspiring Gathering in Goroka

The St. Rita Parish Youth Gathering in Goroka Diocese was successfully held from the 9th to the 12th, bringing together young people under the inspiring theme, “Empowering Youth.” The gathering created a meaningful space for spiritual growth, personal development, and community bonding among the youth.

Parish Youths gather for the Empowering Youth Program

The program began on the evening of the 9th with an opening session that included a warm welcome and the Divine Mercy prayer, setting a reflective and prayerful tone for the days ahead.

On Saturday, the sessions were both enriching and engaging. Mr. Steven Pagalu led insightful talks on the Theology of the Body and Personality Integration, helping the youth understand their dignity, identity, and purpose in life. His sessions encouraged them to value themselves and to live with responsibility and integrity.

Mrs. Anestesia and Jenifer conducted important sessions on Child Protection, raising awareness about safety, respect, and the importance of protecting one another within the community. Their input was practical and highly relevant to the realities faced by young people today.

Adding a practical dimension to the gathering, Mrs. Kento facilitated a sewing training session. This skill-based activity was greatly appreciated, as it gave the youth a hands-on opportunity to learn something useful for their future.

A young boy learning how to sew during one of the sessions of the Empowering Youth Program

In total, 26 youth actively participated in the gathering. The atmosphere throughout the program was lively, interactive, and full of enthusiasm. The youth showed great interest, openness, and a willingness to learn.

The gathering was organized by Fr. Sengol, the Parish Priest, whose dedication and vision ensured that the event was fruitful and well-coordinated.

Feedback and Reflections

One of the participants, Ms. Michela, shared her appreciation, saying that the gathering helped her better understand herself and her value as a young person. She said the sessions gave her confidence and encouraged her to make positive choices in life.

Many other youth shared similar reflections. They found the sessions meaningful, especially those focused on personal growth and protection. The sewing training was also seen as a valuable addition, and they expressed a desire for more programs like this in the future.

Overall, the St. Rita Parish Youth Gathering was a great success. It not only empowered the youth spiritually and intellectually but also strengthened their sense of community and belonging. The event has truly planted seeds for a brighter and more responsible generation of young people in the parish.