Formators from IFFA visit Sandakan

L-R : Abraham, Charles, Bishop Julius, Becky and Francis

Sandakan : Three formators from the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFA) in Quezon City, Phillipines paid a courtesy call on Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, yesterday morning, Thursday November 11 2010 at the latter's office. They are Charles Bertile from Peninsular Malaysia, the Director of the Institute, Abraham from Zambia, in charge of internship program and Becky from the Phillipines is overall responsible for formation at IFFA.

They discuused on the one month Mission Program for the 25 students, interns and staff of IFFA to be held in the Diocese of Keningau and Sandakan from 18th January 2011 - 17th February 2011. The IFFA team will design the mission program according to local needs, beneficial to IFFA students and the local youth.

IFFA offers a 11-month formation program for young leaders and professionals between the ages of 20 - 30 years of age. It fosters an integrated human and spiritual life and as they journey along they will be equipped with social and pastoral skills enabling them to respond to the challenges of the times.On their return they are to serve their sending Diocese, Parish or community for two years, part time or full time.

The formators arrived the previous night, Wednesday November 10 and had a fruitful discussion with members of the St Mary's Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council. They held an open dialogue and through the exchange of views about the challenges of the church, had in a way mutually enriched  both parties. Prior to that, they visited Keningau from the 8th - 10th November.

Session with the youth

Later in the evening yesterday, the team had a session with the youth leaders. Also in attendance were Sr Lilian Unsoh fsic, the spiritual assistant and John Baptis, the PPC Chairman, Together they explore ways on how to attract  teenagers and youth to participate in Church base activities.

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