Transformed by Christ and His Church, Transforming Asia

Aug 19, 2015

PAPAR (Herald Malaysia): The 3rd BILA on Youth was held Aug 3-7 in Pace Bene, Papar with the theme Catholic Youth: Transformed by Christ and His Church — Transforming Asia. The objectives are to empower the participants in motivating and shepherding young people, as agents of the Gospel, in the face of the burning issues today, and at the same time, to establish networks and resources that will recognize and support pastoral workers in Youth Apostolate in Asian countries.

These are some of the sharings from the participants:

Sharing I:

Bishops’ Institute for Lay Apostolate on Youth (BILA on Youth) made me happy as I was able to get acquainted with the Bishops, priests, religious and the staff involved in the Youth Apostolate in Asia.

Indeed, our preparations were not enough but thanks to God’s help, my friends and I were able to do our best during the visit by the representatives from BILA 3 on Youth at our Church, St Patrick Kinuta, on Aug 4.

Also to my surprise, my school participated in project KALSOM (a motivational camp) at University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) which fell on the same day as the visit. I was torn in two but then I remembered my principle in life which is, ‘Cross in the front, world at the back,’ and that made me choose to stay at St Patrick’s. I am thankful that I stayed on, a programme such as this rarely comes by. Whilst the representatives were at St Patrick’s Kinuta, my passion to serve kept growing. They said that it was wonderful to see everyone smiling and how they helped those who were weak in their love for Jesus. Indeed the delegates showed me how much joy the server receives when evangelizing is done through deeds and words of kindness, rather than by force. -- By Richween Chee, St Patrick, Kinuta.

Sharing II:
I accepted with grateful thanks to escort the delegates of BILA III on Youth, This is the first time our parish, Holy Rosary Limbahau, hosted such a big event on Aug 3. What touched me was what happened during Mass. It began with the lively beat of traditional music and the Sumazau dance, followed by the procession of Arch/Bishops and priests from all over Asia. During the Kyrie, the lights went out and it became very hot and uncomfortable. I began to think, at that time, why the Church had not anticipated this happening. I also began to wonder what God was trying to do at this Mass in the dark. When the Our Father was being sung, I, with my eyes closed imagined Jesus, 2000 years ago, sitting and praying with his followers in the dark. There was no electricity at that time, but they still proclaimed the Kingdom of God with joy. Even if it was just in my imagination, I felt very helpless and could not stop my tears. Mass ended and there was still no electricity. When we were all gathered in the hall, the electricity came on. The representatives from BILA III on Youth ignited the spirits of the youth with their sharings, smiles and friendliness. — By Lenna Sylvester Joseph, St Theresa, Sabandil Papar.

Sharing III:
Though I was still tired from a pilgrimage to St Anne’s Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, this did not stop me from welcoming the representatives from BILA III on Youth when they visited the oldest Church in Sabah, St Patrick Kinuta on Aug 4. I was delighted to introduce a bit of history about St Patrick Kinuta to them. Even though our preparations were simple, I could feel the presence of Jesus through the warm spirit of friendship from the delegates.

I also had the opportunity to participate at Holy Mass during the opening of BILA III on Youth at the Holy Rosary Church Limbahau on Aug 3. The weather was not good but we were happy to meet all of the delegates up close. On the second day, when the delegates arrived at our Church, it began to rain heavily, but it was a minor problem. Fatigue and anxiety disappeared when we were able to interact with the delegates, exchange ideas and ask them some questions. — By Viola Vels Rayner Epin, St Patrick Kinuta.

Sharing IV:
The arrival of the representatives of BILA III on Youth to St Monica Moindang was a blessing for the faithful, who mostly work on their own and live very simple lives. The message from A/Bishop Julian Leow touched our hearts when he spoke about the many challenges that we face in our lives. To live, we need money. Many complain about the high cost of living, which now includes GST. He said that we should always be grateful because, where there is Jesus, there is life, family and friends who love us. Do not become slaves to money. Do not live beyond your means, but rather, be rich in your relationship with Jesus.

I keep remembering the message from A/Bishop Julian Leow. As youth, we dream about many things that will make us happy and many believe that money will bring us happiness, even ignoring Jesus. Through the testimonies from the representatives, and in the dialogue sessions, many of us in the village are now more aware that we need to be brave to testify because we have been anointed with the Holy Spirit by baptism and we have been strengthened by the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation. — By Tiana J’Ko, St Monica, Moindang.

Sharing V:
There are many matters that worry me about the development of Christianity in our country: The ban on the word ‘Allah’, Christian schools that are increasingly losing their mission, restrictions on the distribution of the Bible, as well as false charges being thrown about the Christians from irresponsible people. The arrival of the delegates of BILA III on Youth gave my friends and me the strength to deal with these pressures. We were reminded that, during the time of Jesus, there were many constraints. Slander and insults were made by those who were jealous of Jesus. What is important is that the faithful must be united, pray always, do not act recklessly, be alert and do not return the insults of others.

During the dialogue session with the delegates, I recalled the rally at Pace Bene, where the objective was to strengthen the faith of Asian youths and to find solutions to those problems that are being faced by the youth today. It makes me proud that the Catholic Church has a network that connects all Asian youth through the Youth Service Apostolate. Thus, whatever we are facing here will also be know by other youth in Asia, and they will help through prayer and other programmes. — By Rose Nanak Jinikol, St Monica, Moindang.

Sharing VI:
We were informed about the arrival of the delegates from BILA III on Youth in April 2015. The parishioners of the Church of St Sabina began their various preparations: beautifying the landscape, repairing and painting the buildings. Thus, before the arrival of the delegates, it fell upon the parishioners of the village to work together and cooperate with each other to ensure the success of the visit.

I had the opportunity to participate in the Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary Limbahau on 3 August 2015. It rained heavily and there was no electricity during the service but it did not curtail the joy in welcoming the representatives from BILA III on Youth. The Church of the Holy Rosary was filled with many people, even though it was a Monday, a school day and a normal working day for most people.

On 4th August, in conjunction with the feast of St John Vianney, the delegates arrived at the Church of St Sabina. Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Silvio from Thailand, concelebrated with priests from Asia and locally. After Mass, the local youth had the opportunity to speak with the delegates on current issues. The youth were given words of advice and encouragement. The delegates also shared their own experiences. This opened my eyes about what is happening to the Christian community in other countries.--ByTiffany Menti Ak Tanjong.

--The Kalsom Movement is an independent student-led charity movement registered in Malaysia as Kelab Belia Kalsom under the Registrar of Youth.