Catholic youth in south Trinidad have been challenged to answer God’s call, recognise they have been chosen and that they are being sent into the world to change it by their example.

“He wants to empower you with His spirit so that you may go out and let others know that they are called, they are chosen and they too are sent,” said Shad Seaton of the Belmont-based Companions of the Transfigured Christ.

Seaton delivered the feature talk at last Sunday’s 25th Annual Penitential Youth Lenten Rally held under the theme Catholic youth – you are called, you are chosen, you are sent.

Seaton told those gathered in the Holy Faith Convent, Penal auditorium that we are all called by God. “You become your truest self when you discover the plan God has for you. God has a plan for our lives”.

Stephan De Gale (right) of the Companions of the Transfigured Christ group leads the assembly in upbeat praise and worship.

Chennel McNeilley of La Brea parish performs a dance in remembrance of Claude Honore and Jason Daly.

Kyle Dardaine of the Companions of the Transfigured Christ group prepares rally participants to enter a period of prayer.

Kyle Warner (left) and Shad Seaton of the Companions of the Transfigured Christ group pray with a participant.

He said famous people like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela were chosen and the “only difference between you and them is they realised they were called and chosen to do something, and they stood up in courage when others did not”.

The 25-year-old final year university student said God is challenging every single person, no matter their age. “Your life can bring something that my life can’t bring. And he chooses you to bring it into the world.” Seaton said “You are empty until you find out in your life what God has chosen you to do.”

We are called to go out into the world, to go into the darkness, even though we ourselves might be feeling “a little dark” (unworthy), Seaton said. But we are “called to give witness to allow God to let his light shine through your lives so that people seeing you will know that God is present. God wants to transfigure your lives”.

The rally was dedicated to Claude Honoré and Jason Daly, both of whom contributed much to youth ministry in what was known then as the South West Deanery. Both passed away recently. There was a moment of silence at the beginning of the rally, and a dance performed in their honour later in the day.

Youth groups from La Brea, Point Fortin, Los Bajos, La Romaine, Erin and other southern parishes attended. Also present was Episcopal Delegate for Youth, Sr Kathy Joseph, OP, and pilgrims preparing to attend the Church’s international World Youth Day celebrations in Australia later this year and members of the UWI’s Catholic Student Movement.

Companions led the young people in praise and worship songs before examining each aspect of the theme through a testimony followed by group discussion.

Companion member Dayne-Marc Chin Slick gave his testimony on “Catholic youth, you are called”, Mikkel Trestrail – “Catholic youth, you are chosen” and Stephan De Gale – “Catholic youth, you are sent”.

After the feature talk, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. Many young people stepped forward to be prayed for and anointed by Companion members.

Frs Steve Duncan, David Khan and Shijo Abraham concelebrated the closing Mass.
- RS