The Archdiocese of Castries held an Archdiocesan Youth Rally at Corinth Secondary School , on the weekend of November 12-13. The rally, under the theme To Jesus Be Glory, Honour and Praise , attracted hundreds of participants from the dioceses' six deaneries.

The weekend event included morning workshops on Saturday. Presenters included the Bezata Community on “Adoration and the Power of Prayer” Diane Jharriah and Fr Celsus Auguiste – “Sexuality”, Mr and Mrs Bousquet – Family Life.

“The Role of Youth in the Fight Against Crime” was presented by Linwall James and Sr Rufina Donat, SJC, and Fr Michel Francis introduced “Music and Liturgy” to the participants.

The Saturday afternoon session began with a “March of Witness” to the Gros Islet Church . Crowds of youth raised their voices in praise and worship as they processed through the streets giving public witness to their love of God.

A series of guest speakers focused their presentation on their own spiritual journeys and advised the young people on how they could enrich their lives.

The first presenter, Sr Rose Leon challenged them as Catholics, to set themselves apart from other youths in their country and in the world. She also reminded the audience that their journey would not be an easy one but that victory comes in getting up and moving on to try one's best after a fall.

Dwayne Dyce, a Jamaican seminarian shared his decision to join the priesthood. He, too, recalled difficult times along his journey and how he learned the importance of never giving up.

Arthur Anthony followed, encouraging the crowd to develop a spirit of fervour in the Lord, which would prompt them to witness their faith.

He recalled his own decision to live for the Lord and encouraged the crowd to always stand up for what is right. He advised the youth that they should reserve sex for marriage, spoke out against abortion and urged them to respect each other. The session ended with singing by the Gros Islet Youth Choir.

In the evening, participants at the rally gathered at the Babonneau Church for a Healing and Empowerment service. They were also able to spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament while Fr Celsus Auguste facilitated those who wished to go to confession.

Cross section of youth in prayer

Fr Celsus Auguste, feature speaker

On Sunday, the main event took place on the grounds of Corinth Secondary School.

Participants turned up to face soggy fields caused by heavy rain from a tropical depression the night before.

The main event took place at Corinth Secondary School where participants had to contend with soggy fields because of heavy showers the night before.

They did manage to rally t together and take part in praise and worship sessions before the presentation by feature speaker, Fr Celsus.

He declared the youth are not the future of the Church but its present and challenged them to infuse new life into the Mass and in their parishes.

He cautioned the youth against adopting aspects of popular culture which did not fit in with Catholic beliefs and stressed that the Church contains all they need and all that God wants for them.

He told the youths they should see their bodies as God's temple, and act accordingly since it is through their actions that they give God honour and glory.

Fr Auguste then made an altar call, inviting the young people to make a public commitment to serve Christ in the Church and daily lives. This brought new vitality to the singing of praise and worship songs.

After lunch, it was time for a bit of fun and this year, the Eastern Deanery came away as the winners of the deanery with the best banner.

Marian devotions followed with a statue of Our Lady being carried to the altar by the Deanery co-ordinators for a blessing by Archbishop Felix. The youth then had some time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the Benediction.

An afternoon Mass brought the Archdiocesan Youth Rally a close. In his homily, Archbishop Felix reinforced the message of the feature speaker and once again invited the youth to live their lives in the service of the Lord.

The day's events ended with more showers; even so, participants left feeling renewed by the event that had been a blessing to all.
(Edited from Catholic Chronicle )