The Radiant Pearl: Finding Beauty and Holiness in Life’s Struggles

Youth representatives for the Youth Commission, along with His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Bishop Pedro Centeno Baquero, and Bishop John Bosco Auram.

PORT MORESBY – The Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) became a place of prayer and celebration on Sunday, 19 July, as the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea officially launched the Directory for Catholic Youth Ministry during a solemn Eucharistic celebration.

The Mass was presided over by His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby, and concelebrated by Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Bishop Pedro Centeno Baquero, SDB, Bishop of Kerema, and Bishop John Bosco Auram, Bishop of Kimbe, together with priests, religious and the faithful.

Delivering the homily, His Excellency Bishop Pedro reflected on the spiritual journey of young people using the image of a pearl. He explained that just as a pearl forms over many years when a shell transforms a grain of sand into something precious, God also works through life's struggles to shape His people into witnesses of faith.

The Most Reverend Bishop Pedro Centeno Baquero, during his homily at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

"We often ask God to remove the rubbish from our lives," Bishop Pedro said. "Instead, God works within those struggles, transforming them into something beautiful through His love and grace."

Drawing from the Book of Wisdom, Bishop Pedro encouraged young people not only to obey God but also to imitate Him by reflecting His wisdom, compassion and love in their daily lives. He reminded the congregation that Christian discipleship goes beyond following rules and is about allowing Christ to be seen through one's words and actions.

The bishop also assured the youth that they are never alone on their journey of faith. He said the Holy Spirit quietly accompanies and guides them, helping them discern God's will even in moments of uncertainty and difficulty.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, presiding over holy mass.

Reflecting on the Gospel parable of the weeds and the wheat, Bishop Pedro explained that God's patience allows both good and evil to exist for a time so that every person may have the opportunity to repent and experience His mercy.

"The Lord does not give up on us," he said. "He patiently waits, giving each of us the opportunity to choose what is good and to grow closer to Him."

Concluding his homily, Bishop Pedro reminded the faithful that the newly launched Directory for Catholic Youth Ministry is intended to guide young people towards a deeper relationship with Christ and a life of holiness.

Bishop John Bosco Auram, Archbishop Maurizio Bravi (Apostolic Nuncio), His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, and Bishop Pedro Centeno Baquero. (From left to right )

He emphasized that holiness is not reserved for bishops, priests or religious but is the vocation of every baptized Christian. Encouraging young people to embrace their calling with courage and faith, he left them with a simple but powerful message:

"Bear with Jesus, live with Jesus, and love Jesus."

The launch of the Directory for Catholic Youth Ministry marks an important milestone for the Church in Papua New Guinea, providing a renewed pastoral guide to accompany and strengthen young Catholics as they grow in faith, discipleship and service to the Church and society.