Youths experienced “Show, Know, Mercy”

Sep 16, 2016

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): Over 560 people, including 470 youths from the various parishes under the Perak Deanery of Penang diocese, came together for the Silver State’s Youth Day to share a gratifying experience of Show, Know, Mercy at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (OLOL) on Aug 31.

It was the first time in recent years that such a large scale event involving youth from parishes stretching from Ipoh to Taiping and down to Tanjung Malim was held in OLOL. The last time a Youth Celebration of this scale was held in OLOL was some ten years ago.

This year’s event is the brainchild of Fr Simon Anand, the assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, who co-ordinated efforts by the youth to help organise the event.

Fr Simon was quick to point out and praise the efforts of the youth, who came up with SSYD posters for the theme, prior to the event.

“The youth are wonderful, they are so energized and excited about participation in church activities,” he said.

The event was an avenue for youth to move on in their lives, to help teach them leadership and give them a sense of community. There will be a year-long follow up in terms of starting a network for youths involved in entrepreneurship, how to choose their profession and job/education fairs. “We want to bring about continuity for our youths,” said Fr Simon.

The SSYD, which also fell on the anniversary of Malaysia’s 59th year of independence, was a joyous and spirit-filled one, with many of the participants having the chance to work together in a three-hour team building session, dialogue, encounter and interact with each other in different workshops in four languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia (for migrants), Tamil and Mandarin.

After that, the youth participated in praise and worship sessions led by a charismatic group in the church.

Confession was made available for all by priests from the different parishes. Many of the youth came, accompanied by adults, including parents, (many of whom volunteered their services to help in the event) who came to encourage their children.

The SSYD (which stands for Silver State’s Youth Day, referring to Perak as the Silver State) is an offshoot of the Synod of Penang Diocese assembly held earlier this year.

The Assembly, divided into eight cluster groups including the Youth group, shared their concerns on several issues, and formed the main focus of the SSYD gathering.

They included (in workshop style) Rampant Islamisation, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual), Decaying family values and How to bring this to Media attention to benefit others. The workshops were conducted by Fr Edmund Woon and Fr Fabian Dicom, and lay professionals Ramesh Victor and Emmanuel Dorai.

In the teambuilding event, 30 youth were chosen to train and teach other youth when they return to their parishes.

The SSYD concluded with a Eucharistic celebration by Fr Vincent Paul, concelebrated with Fr Michael Dass, Fr Simon Anand, Fr Fabian Dicom, Fr Stephen Liew, Fr Anthony Pillai, Fr Jude Miranda, and Fr Stanley Antoni. The Malaysian and Perak flags were carried up in offertory together with the logo of the SSYD, with the bread and wine. After Mass, the Rukun Negara was recited and the national anthem was sung to mark Merdeka.

In great jubilation afterwards, the youth thanked Jesus with a resounding “Thank You, Jesus” to tumultous applause.

Sharings from the SSYD participants
Siblings Gyeth John, 14, and Tegjwok John, 12, both nationals of South Sudan currently residing in Perak, attended the SSYD’s social media workshop.

The duo, who are from St Michael’s Church Ipoh, said they enjoyed the session and learnt much from the team building and workshop.

“I learned not to tweet too much pointless stuff as it can distract me from others,” said Tegjwok.

“I learned a lot from other people’s experiences as they shared with me,” said Gyeth.

“I learned a lot about myself, and whether I was a “tourist” or “migrant. It helps in situations when it involves obedience and tolerance (of our parents) and involvement (in church, as well as what we can do to involve ourselves as a family. It was very helpful to me,” she said. -- Mariah Vanessa, 20, a college student, and a parishioner of OLOL,

“It was helpful, as it taught me to understand my peers.

“I attended the LGBT workshop, and it spoke more of prejudice towards this group.

“People are afraid to show their sexuality in relationships. Actually LGBTs are very open and friendly, so what’s important is our attitude towards them.

“Most of all, I learned the value of interacting with others. Very often, people don’t do this after Mass, or even stay back for fellowships,” she said. -- Caitlin Foo, 17, who led a 40-strong youth group from Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church

“I learned how to co-operate, was taught leadership skills and to share it. -- Camelia Lopez,17

“I found the Islamisation workshop very helpful as it helped me to understand the boundaries of racism and religion.

“All religions preach good values. After this, I will be more positive about my peers of other faiths,” he said. -- Damien Beh, 15, from Sitiawan

“What we learned in the Islamisation workshop will help us in the future as we plan to further our studies overseas. -- Mervyn Lai, 14, and Michelle Lai, 17, who are both homeschooled