Youth Encounter Formation still Alive

 

This year [2011] the 4th to 6th March the first YE Formation program in Gizo had registered 22 young people chosen from few zones around Gizo parish.

 Originally the YE formation program is a program inherited from the Philippine and designed especially for the youth. Out of the three Catholic dioceses in the Solomon Islands Gizo Catholic Diocese was fortunate to get this YE formation program through the Filipino priest that were here previously.

 

In the past the facilitators of this formation program used to go around to other parishes in the diocese to give this YE formation program to our young people. This year we were taught to set an example to other parishes by starting this program in our own parish and make our parish to be a model for other parishes. Most of the youth who attended this weekend YE formation program can read and write. Most of these youth show great interest in their discussions, trying to understand each of the questioned asked. Most of them responded well to this YE formation program, when they tried to understand each sessions and eager to share what they learned with others. During the sessions they realized that many times in their lives they have been putting on masks, and they have been put down because people see them in the way they are.  However after attending this YE formation program they were satisfied to discover all their goodness’s, their strengths and the weaknesses they have. The interaction of the youth during this YE formation program really allowed for the spirit of the youth encounter to come alive again. As they have shared they really experienced the spirit of youth encounter which is the spirit of openness care and trust for each other .The Atmosphere of reflection AND moments of silence during this YE formation program is really touching and moving. They said that it was a nice experience for them after many of them were taught on the simple ways on how to meditate and reflect on the talks that were given to them.

Youth Aspire to become Priests

 

The Diocese of Gizo is celebrating its golden anniversary remembering the gift of faith brought by the Marist Missionaries and established in its communities by the Dominican Order for the past fifty years.

A total of 20 young men aspiring to be priests in the diocese of Gizo are having a one month immersion program at Gizo as part of the celebration.

Seminarians At work......	...help constructing the youth center.

 

They include nine Holy Name Seminarians, five NAC Graduates incoming batch of Holy Name seminarians, and six candidates for pre-seminary in NAC lead by newly ordained Fr Stephen Te’e.

The program aims to help the candidates in identifying and acquiring the specified traits of the identity of the Catholic priest as specified in the Formation Program for PNG and SI seminarians.

In particular the seminarians will be trained on hard work and sacrifice as the best expression of their inner motivation to love and serve God and the community.
They were engaged in various work and development undertakings in Gizo as part of the program.

The youths will learn skills and values which will enable them to serve and train the youth of their communities.

This year’s batch has been described as more improved and committed than the previous years.

A statement from the group’s superiors say the group is among the first “diocesan secular priests” after the missionaries and the Dominican Order.

“They feel they have a responsibility of building a credible image for the diocesan priest, servant leader of the community, we are with them with our encouragement and support.

“We do not need “many” priests, we need “holy”, credible, sacrificed priests, close to God and close to the people they lead,  with humble, courageous and generous service.”

BBS Training Seminar Motivates More Youths

 

 

 

Participants on Planning

Participants Group Photo

Children Preparing Fish for the Partcipants

 

31 participated in the 10 days Bible Seminar from 1st to 10th July at Moli Pastoral Center. The program included youth and elders. Many of our youth were privileged to observe and learn from the elder participants and the facilitators.

 

During sessions, discussions and sharings, many were motivated and more of the youth now have courage to share their views and opinions.

 

 

 

Thirty Nine Youth leaders from Parishes around the Diocese of Gizo attended the week training Seminar here in Gizo Parish. The program commenced on the 22^nd March, with the introduction from participants and warm welcomes from the Parish Priest, Bishop and the facilitators.