Revive, Reconnect, Recharge, Jump Start Your Faith . . . ! The second day of the conference started out on a very calm note with Taize adoration led by Alphons Joseph and the Masterplan, who led the participants into a rejuvenating spiritual experience with the Lord. The stage was also beautifully decorated to reflect this spiritual to the essence. On the second day, the winner of the ACYC theme song competition – Jose Seneres, also introduced to the participants for the very first time the song that won the coveted award. The song
The Second Catholic youth conference in Arabia was a brilliant opportunity to prepare for the Year of Faith and the sessions that took place were designed to make the topics not just interesting but to also educate all youth and young adults on the richness of our faith and the source of our traditional beliefs: Fr. Varghese Chempoly, Prior General OFM Cap., gave an
Br. George Gabriel’s sessions were met with a great demand from both youth and young adults alike. Br. George stressed on the importance of the year of Faith and living a Godly during this time. He requested the participants to hold onto their faith and focus on being truly holy and good, despite the massive pressure they face to not to.
Br. George offered practical tips for the participants to follow to ensure that they stayed on the path of holiness. He guided delegates on how they could have a better relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. He spoke to the crowd about the saving graces of the Eucharist and to always be prepared to read the voice of God.
was met with a great positive response from the youth gathered at the conference.
inspiring talk on ‘Confession’ and the need to perform this sacrament on a regular. Fr. Stan Fortuna in his breakout session spoke about the lives broken apart due to failed relationships. He explained to the delegates at the session how these hurts can be healed in Christ through his restorative words of love. Fr. Stan had also touched on these topics during his homily where he explained how sorrows and joys in our lives could often be compared to the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
Speaking to a packed room of inquisitive adolescents and interested young adults Matt spoke on the topic of chastity and the need to remain chaste in the modern context. His interactive talk touched on the increased importance that chastity as a virtue has in our modern day lives. He explained the nuances of abstinence vs. chastity to the crowd using examples of his own relationship with his wife Cameron to lead a virtuous and chaste life. Matt also cautioned people against using contraceptive methods.