1st National Campus Student Gathering

DS / st

PAPAR : The first National Campus Gathering themed "Go and make disciples of all nations - Mt 28:19" was held for the first time in Pace Bene, the FSIC Centre for Spiritual Formation and Retreat, located in Papar some 60 km from Kota Kinabalu. It was a 4-day program, beginning 21st up to 24th August 2013. The gathering was organized by the Malaysia Catholic Youth Ministers Committee (MCYMC) focusing on issues confronting students at various campuses in Malaysia. Some 20 campus students, 7 full time youth ministers, 2 priests, 2 religious sisters and 1 permanent deacon from across the country gathered to put their heads together 'to see, judge and act' on the common issues encountered by students.

During the first part of the program, students were invited to identify, reflect and share on the issues they face while in campus. The second part, focused on sharing about things that they can do individually, as a parish, at Arch/Diocesan and national level to overcome the common issues. Thrown into such situation, students immediate response is to be drawn closer to God and to bear witness for Christ. 

In the evening, Deacon Adrian Ng from the Melaka-Johor Diocese shared the 28th World Youth Day message as a guideline for them to reflect and act. Each member must be responsible to the great missionary mandate given by Christ, 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' We should be shaped by God's word each day and commend ourselves to God that we may lead others to Him. As the program coincides with the Year of Faith, participants maximized the opportunity to recommit themselves to be more rooted in faith.

Last but not least, the team from NCSG visited the Catholic Student Group's (CSG) Center, located in Kota Kinabalu to join their "Welcoming Junior's celebration" of Kolej Yayasan Sabah. The program saw the seniors welcoming their juniors into their midst, making them feel "at home." Most are from outside of Kotas Kinabalu, far from their families. It was also an opportunity to let the juniors know that, they have someone to lean on when they needed help. We were entertained by the CSG members presenting some beautiful dances and songs. Our delegation took the opportunity to perform "Kasih Yesus" song in Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Bidayuh and Bahasa Melanau led by members of the Archdiocese of Kuching. It was a fruitful gathering and may the bond continue to bloom.