YOUTH RALLY

“PASSING ON THE FAITH WITH FR STAN FORTUNA CFR”

26TH-27TH SEPTEMBER 2009

“WHAT MATTERS IS FAITH THAT WORKS THROUGH LOVE...” (GALATIAN 5:6)…”FAITH COMES BY HEARING…” (ROMANS 10:17)

These are some of the few motivating verses that empowered the 500 youths who attended the youth rally organized by the Youth Ministry of Sacred Heart's Cathedral’s on the 26th and 27th of September 2009.

The Youth Music Ministry of St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan send 8 youth to participate in the said event.

Sandakan's youths

Fr Stan Fortuna CFR is a Roman Catholic Priest and a founding member of the Community of Franciscan Friar of The Renewal, established in the Archdiocese of New York in 1987. Fr Stan is currently promoting his music widely in proclaiming the Gospel at events all over the world. Creatively using his songs, rapping & sharing his personal testimony, Fr Stan connected the youth and brought home the message of freedom found in Jesus.

Fr Stan signing autograph

The 1st and 2nd sessions,” The Foundation of Our Faith and Living out Our Faith in the Word of God” as preached by Fr Stan projected clearly that The Word of God is the supreme way to pass on the faith.

We were also briefed during The Eucharistic Celebration on the flow of the mass given by Fr Stan letting us understand clearer the meaning of each part of the Mass.

The 2nd day, Fr Stan motivated us even greater by giving talks on “Faith That Moves Mountain”, telling us that all things are possible as long as we have strong faith in the Lord.

During the last session, “Passing On The Faith To Others”, Fr Stan urged all youth present in the rally to be fully committed in their roles in their respective parishes. Faith is meant to be shared and not to be owned. The rally ended with a Eucharistic Celebration con celebrated by Archbishop Datuk John Lee and Fr Stan.

Fr Stan also conducted an open and free session for everyone at SHC Hall which attracted more than 500 enthusiastic youth to the event. The hall was packed and they really enjoyed Fr Stan's inspirational performance and preaching.

Fr Stan with YMM, St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

By Christopher Aban