Youth attend a
'True Love Waits…..' seminar
-
by Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb
HONIARA:
23rd July -- Amidst the background of the sexual revolution of the 60s and the
free lifestyle portrayed in the media today – our young in Solomon Islands,
confused and insecure are caught up in a lifestyle that is at times traumatic
and one which does not enhance them as persons. “They are aware that the traditional
systems are breaking down” stated Hilda Monica Anihoniara, youth coordinator and
organizer of the programme. At the
last World Population Day, held on 11th July, 2003, it was wonderful
to hear youngsters sharing ideas and experiences and one young lady boldly
committing herself to a life chastity until marriage.
17
youngsters spent the last weekend – reflecting on a similar theme at the end of
which six youngsters publicly proclaimed that they will live chaste lives until
they commit themselves to their spouse in the Sacrament of Marriage.
“ I
realize that I am a gift to be given only to the one I commit myself to in
marriage. I wish to remain sexually
pure sex that the gift of myself to my wife is unscarred” stated Vincent Isa,
while Steve Erehiro said “I would not be able to handle the physical, emotional,
psychological and financial burden that comes along with the responsibility of
bringing up a child outside marriage”.
The
three-day programme entitled True Love Waits… was held at Don Bosco House of
Prayer, Kola Ridge, Honiara from 18th to 20th July,
2003. Two from the St. Vincent de
Paul group joined the youngsters from the Holy Cross Emanuel Youth group. The participants were fully involved,
reflective and prayerful right throughout the programme. The different sessions, presentations,
discussions, film clips and prayerful moments enabled them reflect on the value
and worth of themselves as Persons.
Dr.
Steve Aumanau, former Minister of Health conducted a very enlightening and
informative session. He dealt with
the need to care for ourselves and highlighted smoking, alcohol and other
related addictions that destroy the human person. In very simple terms and with the help
of graphics, he gave the participants an understanding into the wonder of the
human body and its sexual aspects.
He also touched on abortion - the destruction of human life. Questions were answered and doubts
clarified. The participants
were reminded that parents are the best ones to assist them in times of falls
and failure.
Maria
and John Maefaididia, William and Irene from the Marriage Encounter and Dave and
Lynette Russel were three couples who joyfully shared their personal testimony
of life and love. The youngsters
were also happy to receive sincere answers to the question of dealing with
relationships. Their lives of joy
and happiness lived out for several years have given the youngsters something to
imitate. While they stressed
communication, forgiveness, respect and responsibility as main elements in a
marriage, they also highlighted the need to remain sexually pure till one has
the blessing of God and a total commitment in the Sacrament of
Marriage.
Georgiana
Sogotee spoke of the need for counseling as life has its ups and downs. She dealt with AIDS and HIV – something
that only if we are fully aware off can we avoid. She also touched upon the cultural
aspects of custom marriage.
Fr
Ambrose Pereira sdb, - who dealt with relationships and the corollaries of love,
coordinated the programme together with the Salesians of Don Bosco. He stressed the fact that the church, in
a special way the present Holy Father Pope John Paul II is interested that the
young understand and are committed to Catholic ideals, principles and
values. Large gatherings as the
World Youth day are occasions to celebrate the joy and the beauty of life. They are also occasions to celebrate and
witness to our Catholic faith.
“This
programme is the first youth gathering, preparing ourselves for the forthcoming
World Youth Day celebration in Cologne in 2005”, stated Hilda Anihoniara. “It has enabled the young better
understand themselves and their relationships and give themselves the
possibility of proper choices that will bring them joy and happiness’, she
continued.
Archbishop
Adrian Smith celebrated the concluding Eucharist at which the six youngsters
committed their lives to being sexually pure till they commit themselves to
their spouse in the Sacrament of Marriage.
Fr. Nelson Jopia sdb, animator of the group celebrated the opening
Eucharist.
A
similar programme is being planned for the youth of Christ the King parish,
Tetere area on 1st, 2nd and 3rd July,
2003.
The
programe has been partly funded by OXFAM Australia, Don Bosco and many other
generous benefactors.
Reflections:
“ I have
realized the meaning of my life as a person” – Patricia
Saman
“The
session on abortion has opened my eyes to the destruction of life of an innocent
child” – Margareth Ufana
“The
programme has given me an outlook for my future” – Godfrey Waxley
Ronny.
“It has
been week end that has opened me to a number of challenges” – Doreen
Mazana
Photographs:
The
following photographs have been published in the Solomon Star, 23rd
July, 2003 and can be sent if requested:
1.
Dr. Steve
Aumanu speaks to the youngsters on the need to care for our human body and the
wonder of our sexual
selves.
2.
The
Entire group of participants and animators at the end of the
seminar.
3.
Fr.
Nelson animates the youngsters at the Eucharistic
celebration
4.
Georgiana
Sogotee animates the group.
5.
Married
couples share their experiences.
6.
Youngsters
sporting t-shirts with the World Youth Day 2005 logo,
Youth in song....
