A nation prepares - Solomon Island's chance for World
Youth Day
HONIARA: 16th June 2006 -- The Solomon Island flag was a
rare sight in Cologne last year - if indeed seen at all. Poor
nations halfway round the world from Europe had little chance of
finding the funds. But with WYD 2008 just a small hop across the
Coral Sea to Australia, chances are the flag will be in abundance in
Sydney. At least that was one thought in Fr Dominic Kachira's
mind as he addressed the Solomon Islands Youth Rally 2006 a few
days ago. Fr Kachira is the Parish Priest of the Salesian Parish
of Christ the King, Tetere.
However, the substance of Fr Kachira's message to
the youth gathered for the four days of the Rally (11-14 June) was "You
can either walk towards Jesus or away from him". 140 youth had
gathered under the theme of "Walking with Jesus", with many moments of
reflection, prayer and discussions - and of course youthful fun: 'Kastom' dances, games, film shows.
Even the Assistant Superintendent of Police from
Tetere was there, reminding the youth of some of the more salient facts
of life around them, especially the violence and disturbance, often
alcohol-fuelled, that takes place on payday, or the loss of traditional
respect for parents. A nurse from the Grove clinic reminded them
of the significance of a number of their decisions, especially in
sexual behaviour or where alcohol, drugs and Betel nut-chewing are
concerned.
Each day commenced with an early morning jog - mens sana in corpore sano! Fr
Ambrose Pereira also presented the overall theme of WYD 2008 - power,
Holy Spirit, witness and youth. Unity bands and souvenirs were given to
the youth leaders. "We hope to send at least one young person from our
village for WYD and have already started the fund-raising", one of them
from Sali Village said - and other villages are doing likewise. "As you
return to your villages, share what you have enjoyed doing these days
with others", Fr Kachira reminded them at the conclusion.
GLOSSARY
kastom: literally, 'custom' in SI Pijin
mens sana in corpore sano: Latin, for
healthy mind in a healthy body
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