Friendship with Christ

PORT MORESBY – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI), Youth Commission, officially began its Youth Commission Workshop 2026 with a Holy Eucharist this morning at the CBC Headquarters in Port Moresby. The opening Mass was celebrated by Fr. Roger Alabeti, MSC, while His Excellency Bishop Pedro Baquero, SDB, Bishop of Kerema Diocese, delivered the homily, calling participants to cultivate an authentic friendship with Jesus Christ as the foundation of their ministry.

The six-day workshop, held under the theme "Journeying Together in Synodality with Youth in Christ," brings together youth leaders and pastoral workers from across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The gathering marks the beginning of Phase One of the implementation of the Catholic Youth Ministry Priorities 1 and 2, with participants reflecting on ways to strengthen youth ministry through synodality, communion, participation, and mission.

In his homily, Bishop Baquero challenged participants to reflect deeply on one of the greatest desires of every young person—the longing for genuine friendship. He explained that while people often have many acquaintances, authentic friendships are built on trust, honesty, acceptance, and the freedom to be one's true self.

His Excellency Bishop Pedro Baquero of Kerema Diocese delivers the homily during the opening Mass of the Youth Commission Workshop 2026.

Drawing from his own experience in the seminary and priesthood, Bishop Baquero shared how true friends remain a source of encouragement, correction, and support during life's most difficult moments. He noted that authentic friends do not judge but accompany one another with sincerity and love.

The Bishop then invited participants to look beyond human relationships and ask themselves a more profound question: "Is my relationship with Jesus truly an authentic friendship, or is it only functional?" He reminded the congregation that many people only turn to God when they need help or seek favours. However, genuine friendship with Christ, he said, is built by walking with Him daily, remaining constantly in His presence, and allowing Him to become the centre of one's life.

Addressing the youth gathered for the workshop, Bishop Baquero acknowledged that every young person longs to belong, to be accepted, and to experience meaningful relationships. He warned that this natural desire can sometimes lead young people to seek acceptance in unhealthy groups or relationships. For this reason, he encouraged them to discover in Jesus the faithful friend who never abandons them and who leads them towards holiness.

Fr. Roger Alabeti MSC elevates the Host during the Mass

The Bishop further reminded participants that the success of the Youth Commission's pastoral plans and ministry priorities will not depend simply on well-written documents or carefully prepared programmes. Instead, he said, their implementation must be rooted in a living relationship with Christ. Without personal holiness and authentic friendship with Jesus, pastoral plans risk becoming "just another book" or "just another plan."

As the workshop begins, participants are expected to engage in discussions, formation sessions, and practical planning focused on implementing the Catholic Youth Ministry Priorities across the dioceses of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Guided by the spirit of synodality, the workshop seeks to equip youth leaders to journey together with young people, listening to their hopes and challenges while fostering a vibrant and Christ-centred youth ministry.

The opening Eucharistic celebration set a prayerful and inspiring tone for the week ahead, reminding participants that every pastoral initiative must begin with a personal encounter with Christ. Bishop Baquero concluded by encouraging everyone to make authentic friendship with Jesus their greatest desire, assuring them that such a relationship is the strongest foundation for serving the Church and accompanying young people in faith.