By Christina Midan, MHC Youth Secretary

       Kokopo, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, 23 September 2021 -- Known as “Wantok Bosco”, a youth camp organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco in Kokopo was held from 17-19 September, 2021 at the Don Bosco Technical School with the theme for this year: “Signs of Hope for Renewal.” In attendance were 260 youths from eight Christian communities of the Mary Help of Christians Parish.

       The focus of the program was to get the the participants to understand more deeply and appreciate the message of the Rector Major for 2021, “Moved by Hope” in order to become aware of social issues especially those affecting the villages and to be firmly convinced of the need and duty to champion individual and social change. The youths were encouraged to actively take part so that they would be able to take home a beautiful experience of youthful prayer, holy joy and camaraderie with other young people to be signs of hope the Don Bosco way at home, in the parish communities and in the school.

       On the first evening the participants were immersed in a spiritual experience of prayer with the style of Grand Eucharistic Adoration, Taize prayer and confessions moderated by Fr. Arjuna SDB and Sr. Pamela FMA. The day concluded with the traditional goodnight talk by Sr. Pamela, FMA, in which she explained the opportunities young people have to reach holiness following the example of blessed Carlo Acutis.

       The first part of the second day was dedicated to formation and the participants were led into a series of input sessions. Firstly, Ms. Emilie Novotna, a Salesian Lay missionary from Czech Republic, spoke about life renewal as a sign of hope. She explained to the youths the goodness of our body in line with spiritual growth and human growth. She also gave activities based on her experiences in the field of medicine.

       Mr. Christian, Youth Coordinator of Diocese of Rabaul was the animator of the afternoon session. He highlighted youth as agents of social renewal and challenged them their role to change the realities of the communities. He also invited them, as young Papua New Guineans to be truly agents of change.

       Concluding the day was the cultural night during which the participants showcased dances and songs of hope in line with the theme. Mr Christopher Lee, a Salesian Lay Missionary, from the United States of America, closed the day with his good night talk and also challenged the participants to soar high.

       Fr. Paul Kote, current Diocesan Administrator and Parish Priest of Vunapope, presided over the concluding Mass on the third day. In his homily he appreciated the creativity of the Salesians in organizing such activities which brought young people together for a greater and godly cause. He invited the participants to put into practice what had been discussed during the weekend and be agents and signs of hope in their respective communities and families.

       He referred to the current situations of fights, domestic violence and racialism that destroys the harmony in the community and challenged the young people to transform all these situations by living simply and happily in the community.

       The program ended with recognition of each of the participants, the Salesian cooperators and the benefactors for their generosity, the Parish priest and the Salesians family for making it possible.

       Mr. Patrick Nobert, the Youth Coordinator expressed the sentiments of joy and satisfaction of every participant. “We the youths of MHC parish are privileged to have Salesians with us at this second experience of Wantok Bosco. We are learning a lot from them and feel proud to be part of the Salesian family”, he expressed.

       The theme of the Youth Camp for this year was suggested by the Salesian Youth Ministry Office of the Vice Province in line with the Rector Major's Strenna for 2021.

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