SYD an opportunity to receive God's grace

Jun 24, 2016

By Julita Kantod
On June 9, the participants, in their assigned groups, assembled for the Morning Prayer followed by Eucharistic celebration. The Morning Prayer provided the participants a silent moment for personal reflection on how Christ had refreshed them to enter into a new day.

On June 7, the Eucharistic celebration was presided by Bishop Cornelius Piong of Keningau, and concelebrated with Archbishop John Wong and Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom.

Bishop Piong called on the young people to begin the day in Christ, with Christ and for Christ, by glorifying His name every moment of life. Without Christ, we are nothing.

The prelate said, “SYD4 is an opportunity to receive God’s grace. His presence in you may strengthen you to face difficulties and unpleasant moments. Continue to be witnesses of God, always in union with one another. You are the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. That is your mission: to be disciples of Christ, to continue His mission by proclaiming the good news.”

He went on to say that to grow in faith, one needs to develop a close relationship with God, nourishing oneself with His grace. It is important to be firmly grounded and deeply rooted, trusting and believing in Him. Be in union with Christ for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

In conclusion, he called on the young people to exercise the faith they profess by serving the family and the community. He asked them to remain as good disciples of Christ by being committed and effective in ministry.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the participants were divided into five groups. Each group was assigned a priest, presenting a catechesis on faith. Group members discussed and shared on the following:

-- how my faith begins and how my relationship is with Christ during my preparation for SYD4
--  the gift / grace that I received during my preparation for SYD
-- the meaning of the CROSS

Their sharing signalled that the young people are trying their best to know, love and serve God. They are learning to put God in their lives. They have hope, yet at times, they stumble, fall and lose hope. However, the grace of God continues to strengthen them to move on. They believe SYD4 is the platform to enrich their spiritual life, sharing with others, getting to know new friends and learning to live in communion with other youth from across Sabah.

The afternoon session focused on the role and responsibility of the youth in the family. Participants were divided into three groups according to their ages: 15-19 years, 20-25 years and 26 years and above with Bro Jude Antoine, Fr Charles Chiew and Julita facilitating the groups respectively.

The talks were related to family life: What is family and why is family considered the main pillar of the future generation. The talks highlighted the role and the responsibility of the teenager, the young adult and the young married couples towards their family. The session raised awareness among the participants about the importance of the family unit, the relationship among family members and the caring attitude of each member.

The evening session was the ‘family night.’ There was a slot on recapitulation of the day’s programme, reminding and reinforcing what had been shared.

An allotted time was set aside for participants to call home. They had the opportunity to talk to their family members, parents and siblings. Communication is a necessary and essential thread that binds the family together. The scene was beautiful and touching.

There was also a session by the caregivers from the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for those who needed counselling.