Port Moresby Archdiocese Catholic Youth Cultural Show attracts hundreds
- Jessica Oata
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Port Moresby: The Catholic Youth in the Archdiocese of Port Moresby put on a colorful array of traditional performances to showcase Papua New Guinea’s vibrant cultures and traditions.
Held at the Murray Barracks on Saturday June 28, the Cultural Presentation was organized by the Archdiocese Catholic Youth Ministry under the leadership of Sr Alice Original OND. With the theme: Youth in Christ: Fueling PNG’s Golden Tomorrow, the show attracted young people from the heart of the Archdiocese to the periphery with young people coming as far as St Stephen’s Parish in Cape Rodney and Holy Family Parish in Kuriva in the Central Province.
Young people braved the scorching Port Moresby heat to put on a total of 20 spectacular presentations from the different provinces that kept the crowd on their toes cheering.
Present as guest speakers for the day were Honorable Rufina Peter, Governor for Central Province and Sr Sharon Palencia OND, the Catholic Bishops Conference Secretary for the Youth Commission.
The program began with an opening prayer followed by the theme song from the 2024 Papal Visit: Teach us How to Pray. The National Anthem then had everyone singing in unison before the National Pledge was recited.
In her keynote address, Governor Peter encouraged the young people to reflect on their personal conducts and do what is morally right and use their time wisely in order to contribute meaningfully to the society.
She also added that this year is a very special year with the country celebrating its 50 years independence anniversary and the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church and called on those present not to forget their personal relationship with God.
“This is a very festive year and there will be a lot of celebrations and activities taking place, but we must not forget to nourish our spiritual life. As you go out and have fun as a young person, also make time for God.”
CBC Youth Secretary Sr Sharon Palencia OND started her inspirational message with an engaging energizer that had the participation of the crowd before highlighting the seven Catholic Youth Ministry Priorities that the Youth Commission in partnership with Youth Animators and Leaders came up with:
1. Young people with well-organized Youth Ministry.
2. Empowered and self-reliant young people.
3. Culturally rooted young people.
4. Young people formed and grounded in the Catholic faith.
5. Young people accompanied in their vocational discernment.
6. Young people as active evangelizers.
7. Young people living Christian values.
She concluded her talk by highlighting that as Youth in Christ, we have a shared journey.
“Remember, youth is not a problem to be solved in the community, but a group of individuals – in a particular stage in life that needs to be animated towards holiness”
She concluded her talk by calling on Catholic youth ministers to continue to journey with the young people with a pastoral heart – ready to love, listen and accompany them in their search for truth.
“May we continue to nurture in the hearts and minds of the youth the truth and proclaim that: God loves you; God saves you and Christ is Alive!”
The day was well enjoyed by all who were present as everyone experienced Christ’s love through those they met and shared a conversation with.
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