Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - A path of preparation in stages to culminate with WYD in Sydney next year: this is the proposal of the Catholic Church in Solomons is proposing to young Catholics in parishes, associations, schools, Church movements to lead them to participate and to further their human and spiritual growth.
Recently young Catholics from 8 different villages met in Tetere for a three day retreat on the theme of WYD "You will receive the power of the Holy Spirit”, besides prayer and conferences the young people watched brief video clips on previous World Youth Day events. They prayed the rosary together and had the opportunity for confession. At the end of the retreat many expressed a desire to take a more active part in Church life and to be missionaries to their families and friends.
To assist young people in conditions of violence, abuse of drugs and alcohol, widespread crime, low level of instruction the Church in the Solomon Islands has always given special attention to form young people to positive values, to strengthen family ties, to promote human and spiritual growth. Education is of major importance for building a future of prosperity for the nation and it involves government but also private schools and religious communities which offer an important contribution to the cultural development of the people to form 'good Christians and honest citizens”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2007 righe 24 parole 243)
