Bishop Joseph Coutts congratulates St. Philip Parish Karachi on arranging Youth Rally

Image

Karachi: July 28, 2016. (PCP) "Let no one disregard you because you are young, but be an example to all the believers in the way you speak and behave, and in your love, your faith and your purity". 1 Timothy 4:12. "Youth is our Future in the Light of The Year of Mercy 2016." was the theme of our Youth Rally 2016. The Pastoral team of St Philip’s Parish Karachi firmly believes that without youth there is no future for any nation, country, civilization, culture or religion. “St Philip's Parish Karachi is thankful to God for His Grace upon our Parish youth, that we were able to organized such a huge gathering of youth at a rally organized for them successfully” said Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM, Parish Priest The following were the aims of this program 1. It was arranged in sync with the World Youth Day, Krakow, Poland, so that the youth who could not go to attend the World Youth Day may not feel left out. Only 11 youth were able to go to attend the World youth day from our parish. 2. It is to bring unity, harmony, communion and oneness amongst youth, from all walks of life. 3. Such a gathering also offer an opportunity to the youth to present on stage their innate talents and skills in a creative way by performing social, Spiritual, dramas, songs, tableaus, and dance. 4. Our Youth come from poor financial backgrounds and it is very significant to bring them on such a platform so that they can feel that they are not left out in any way. 5. Poverty leads to all sort of negative consequences among the youth. 6. It is also to bring awareness, amongst the youth that they are cared for, and the whole world is waiting for them to do their best in their lives. 7. It is also a time to have faith deep fellowship and accompaniment in all sectors of life. 8. It is also to Channel their energy, talents, skills, creativity, and leadership qualities. 9. It is also make them, peaceful, life-giving citizens of Pakistan and the world at large, the way Jesus did in his life and public ministry on earth. 10. It is also time to listen to the youth, because listening brings healing and life to the youth. 11. It is also to build confidence in the youth, and to give them an experience free from discrimination and biases of attitude, colors or language which they experience in day to day life. 12. It is also to highlight that youth has to be responsible, accountable and loyal leaders for tomorrow. 13. It is time to encourage them they have to follow the mission of Christ and be Christ for others too. 14. No nation can be a nation if youth is not well cared for. 15. It is also a time to open the doors for the youth so that they can experience the fresh air in their mind, heart and soul. 16. It is also time to witness Christ, at all levels and youth is a true instrument for it. It is always an immense challenge to assemble and organize a youth rally on a large scale. There are so many things involved to be focused on. “I called several meetings of the pastoral team to share my views, and thoughts about the annual youth rally 2016. All the members of my pastoral team were very motivated to go for it. It was decided in the pastoral team that we must call all the youth animators of the different areas of our parish so that we could share the features and aspects of the youth rally 2016” added Fr. Bernard Bhatti It was decided that this year we will be having a bigger youth rally than last year. All the members of the youth of different areas of our parish will participate in it. There will be registration forms so that all can get a T-shirt, Cap, Pen Bag and Badges and also to know the exact number of youth attending this historical gathering. Resource persons for the program would be a people who have experience working with the youth. We would look for local and foreign financial generous support, because without this we would not be able to make this dream a reality. Security of both Rangers and Police would be arranged. His Grace Archbishop Joseph Coutts would be invited to preside over a Thanksgiving Holy Mass and for the distribution of awards amongst the youth animators. The social media, banners/ handouts and announcements in the local churches would be employed to spread the message. Responsibilities were shared and coordinated so that we all work as a team for the Youth Rally. Everyone on the youth team worked day and night to make it a big success for our parish. All the arrangements were done well in advance before the youth rally. 25 July 2016 was a day of blessings for us all. All the animators and Pastoral team came to the parish venue at 8:00 AM, and started registration and giving the youth the kit bag so that they could dress themselves for the youth rally. After the registration a peace walk was carried out from the main Road of the Parish where everyone carried banners, and shouted slogans, about youth, and peace, harmony and prosperity of Pakistan. The participants marched in with the St. Philip’s School Band to support them. It was life giving and encouraging, seeing the youth so happy and full of energy. The Youth Rally entered the Parish main church, to start the day with a prayer session. After the Prayer session the Parish Priest was called to officially welcome all the youth, and participants and the resource persons. The First talk was given by Mr. Anthony Paul, the Former Youth Director of the diocese of Hyderabad, who is presently the principal of the St Francis of Assisi School Malir. He has vast experience working with the youth. He is a Motivational Speaker. The main points of his talk were as follows; 1. Youth is the treasure of every nation, country, culture, civilization. 2. Youth is the identity and witness of God's mercy to everyone. 3. They are the instruments of peace, welfare when they are ready to help others. 4. Every youth has to keep him/her self open to receive the generous blessings of the Lord. 5. Youth can be youth if they keep themselves unified. 6. Be open to the love, care, and mercy of the lord. After the first talk, a brief history of the world youth day was presented so that all could feel part of the world youth day taking place simultaneously in Krakow, Poland. It was very exciting to hear how our Holy Father and those before him have been interested in youth of the world, and how they have given due attention to this important segment of the Church. After this there was a lunch break followed by a session where the youth were invited to share their experiences in an informal way with each other. It was also a time to mingle with each other. After that there was very interesting and life giving talent show on the stage. The youth from different areas of the parish performed dramas, tabulates, songs, speeches, and dance on the stage. These things give confidence and self-assurance to be ready to face the world. All the performances were both spiritual and social and according to theme of youth rally. While the stage performance was going on, His Grace the Archbishop, Joseph Coutts arrived. He was given a warm welcome by the youth. At the end of the Youth really, Holy Mass was celebrated by His Grace Joseph Coutts. It was also a day of the Feast of St. James the apostle. He used the example of the saint and said that we all have to be fearless and daring like St James, who gave his life for Christ, and Christ was the center of his life. He didn't say no to Christ. He was a very brave apostle, who was faithful, till the end to Christ only. He added that this is what we all are called for, to be faithful, committed, fearless, brave, and hardworking to promote peace, harmony, and be always ready to be heralds of Christ in our lives. He also congratulated St. Philip's Parish, for arranging such a huge youth event. After the Holy Mass Awards were distributed among the youth animators, and refreshments was given to all. “May God bless all those who supported us generously to make this youth rally a reality” added Father Bernard Bhatti OFM, Parish Priest/ Administrator of St Philip's Parish, Karachi

You May Also Like

Image

British Asian Christian Association Presents Report on Pakistan Persecution to UK Special Envoy at Foreign Office Ceremony

London: (By Hannah Chowdhry) Approximately 40 esteemed guests, including prominent figures from various NGOs dedicated to promoting international r

Image

Women leadership to lead struggle for Peaceful Pakistan; a pledge at Rwadari Iftar Get-together

Lahore: Led by the women leadership of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan, the Annual Interfaith Iftar (breaking of the fast) on 20th March 2024 at the premi

Image

Sweeping Away Injustice: Asif Masih’s Bold Stand Against Brutality, Injustice, and Bigotry for Sweepers’ Rights

Pakistan: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) A Christian sweeper, duly elected as Chairman of the All Sweepers Union, faced brutal assaults b



"Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" By Nazir S Bhatti

On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.

nazirbhattipcc@aol.com , pakistanchristianpost@yahoo.com