Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) – In a country in which crime and juvenile delinquency have reached extremely high percentages, and where the press makes reference to the situation as a “social emergency,” the Church has decided to “invest in the youth,” placing the majority of their pastoral efforts in working with the youth. The aim is to offer a spiritual and pastoral response to this emergency and to restore society's trust in the youth, considering their talents and resources in building the nation's future.
With this spirit, the “Marian Youth Camp” was held in recent days, as a conclusion to the Month of the Rosary. The Camp was held in East Boroko, in the Diocese of Port Moresby, and was attended by over 300 young people from across the nation, consecrating them to the Virgin Mary. The Camp organizers, the Salesian Priests, Brothers, and Sisters of Papua, comment: “The youth placed all their energy under the mantle of Our Lady and placed their lives at her feet, with the goal of imitating her virtues and spreading devotion to her among their peers. Changing Papua New Guinea depends on the youth, thus we should believe in them,” the Salesians said.
The youth enjoyed their time to reflect on the need to build a culture of peace, inspired by the life of Don Bosco, an “authentic man of peace.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2009)