Priceless encounter with ‘Holy Father’
Over a total of over twenty-thousand catholic faithful youths turned up at the Sir John Guise Stadium this morning to have a special encounter with Pope Francis prior to his departure.
This morning was the Holy Father's final day of his historic visit and was happy to address the youths around 9:45am.
The Holy Father was welcomed into the stadium by dances performing with various cultural attires simultaneously signifying their authentic cultures and portraying the country's cultural diversity united by God’s word.
The address this morning was described 'priceless encounter', a memorable moment that will go down in the history of this country 50 years beyond and of course the memories of such a colorful and profound ceremony will linger in the hearts and minds of determined and enthusiastic catholic Faithfuls forever.
Archbishop of Kimbe John Bosco Auram in his welcome address said youths in Papua New Guinea encounter many challenges which sometimes affects them in embracing the Christian values within their families and the society.
He said today is a fortunate opportunity for youths to share their burdens and queries before the Holy Father to pray and release blessings upon the life of the future leaders of this country as well as those who will embrace the catholic faith and pass on to generations.
“This opportunity may come again or not but today is a priceless encounter for us to seek blessings upon our lives and for the nation,” Bp. Auram said.
Youths expressed concerns in poetic expression on challenges faced by youths and the country including environment protection, rising sea level, climate change, education opportunities, resource scarcity, financial handicaps, youth empowerment and others.
Representing the homeless kids, young Ryan Valum expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Father for the support they provide.
“I come from a broken home and have nowhere to go. Despite all these challenges I faced, church became my refuge, and it made me to be a person of good character with positive Christian values,” Valum said.
Sharing similar sediments is Bernadette Turmon. She spoke on the poverty and unemployment that causes many young people to miss out on educational opportunities and forces many people to participate in illegal activities.
His Holiness Pope Francis in his keynote address to youths appreciates their concerns and assures God’s blessing upon the lives of this young beloved country, Papua New Guinea.
“PNG is a very young country and I cannot leave without addressing you the young people of this country. You are the hope and future of this nation.
“What I want to tell you may seem strange but let me assure you all that everyone makes mistakes but we have to correct it ourselves. You have to form friendships amongst yourselves.
“Important thing in life is not that we’re fallen but the important thing is we don’t remain down, we have to back up and move forward,” His Holiness said.
The Holy Father’s address this morning concluded his four-day visit to PNG.
From there the Pope leaves the Stadium for the APEC terminal, at 10:55 am.
The Holy Father was farewelled by Prime Minister James Marape, government officials and Cardinal Sir John Ribat and other religious before departing Port Moresby with his delegation for Dili, Timor Leste at around 11:40am.