CHS Youth Day inspires faith, fellowship and prayer

Dec 21, 2024

PENANG: On November 23, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (CHS) hosted its first-ever CHS Youth Day, which gathered the parish youth for a day of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Rooted in Pope Francis' message from World Youth Day 2024, the event challenged young people to embrace the call to be “Pilgrims of Hope” — to walk with purpose, seek Christ, and share His hope with the world.

The day’s theme focused on the distinction between being a tourist and a pilgrim. The youth were encouraged to reflect on how a tourist moves through life aimlessly, rushing from one experience to the next, without truly engaging with the present. In contrast, a pilgrim walks with intention, seeking God’s guidance and finding meaning in every moment. This reflection prompted the youth to examine their own lives: Were they living like tourists, moving through life without purpose, or were they choosing to be pilgrims, focused on Christ and walking intentionally toward Him?

Throughout the day, the youth were invited to reflect on how feelings of hopelessness could creep into their lives due to daily struggles, whether from school, family challenges, or societal pressures. As “pilgrims of hope,” they were encouraged to rise above these moments of despair by keeping their focus on Christ and inviting Him into every aspect of their lives. The youth came to realise the importance of shifting their mindset from being self-centred to Christ-centred, allowing His hope to transform their hearts.

The highlight of the day was the Night of Prayer, a time that united the youth with the broader CHS parish community. The evening began with Adoration, where the youth spent quiet, reflective time before the Blessed Sacrament, surrendering their struggles and renewing their commitment to seeking God. This sacred time allowed them to open their hearts to God’s presence and deepen their connection with Him.

As the night progressed, a powerful exchange took place. Parishioners gathered to pray over the youth, offering words of encouragement and blessing them with strength for their spiritual journey. In return, the youth prayed for the adults, expressing gratitude and seeking God’s guidance for their lives. This exchange symbolised the unity of both generations in supporting one another in their faith and spiritual growth.

By the end of the day, the youth left the event feeling inspired, filled with renewed hope, and eager to embrace their roles as pilgrims of hope. They were reminded that being a pilgrim doesn’t require a long journey — it begins with the decision to invite Christ into every situation, to live with intention, and to walk in faith.

The first-ever CHS Youth Day proved to be a day of reflection, spiritual renewal, and deep connection. The youth departed from the event ready to continue their spiritual journey, fired up and inspired to live as pilgrims of hope in their daily lives. --Adele Gwyneth Yeoh