by Shafique Khokhar

Youth from all the parishes take part in a meeting in Punjab. Topics examined at the event included the role of media and coping with different environments and people. Participants also discussed the fight against drugs and the proclamation of the Word of God. Youth have the task of building peace, Diocesan Youth Commission director says.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - The Diocesan Youth Commission in Faisalabad held a training workshop on 'Educating youth in justice and peace', alternating seminars and study session on the social ministry and the contribution of Catholics to the country's growth with moments of leisure.

Held at the National Youth Centre, in Ayubia, a peaceful oasis immersed in nature near Muree (Rawalpindi, Punjab), the six-day event (8-14 July) was attended by a boy and a girl from each of Faisalabad's parishes under the caring guidance of priests, educators and experts on justice and social issues.

At Ayubia, participants studied notions like decision-making, self-awareness, media and education as well as peace and justice in the Bible. The workshop also presented ways to cope with different environments and people.

As young people from Faisalabad, participants agreed to a motion whereby they would "fight for positive change in society," promoting human rights, justice and peace in the diocese.  As part of this, they accepted to play a "vital and constructive" role in helping people who are marginalised and oppressed, swearing to maintain their parishes drug-free and spread the Word of God.

Young Christians must play a constructive role in promoting peace and human rights, said Fr Khalid Raseed Asi, director of the Diocesan Youth Commission. Speaking to AsiaNew, he said that youth must give the Church a "helping hand" in this demanding task.

Overall, the six-day meeting provided an opportunity "to bring youth closer to God and the Bible," the priest explained, "enhancing their self-confidence as well as teaching them the moral values of peace and human rights."

 

• pakistan
• catholic
• church
• education
• justice
• religious
• freedom