Boroko, Port Moresby: YOUNG people from schools, colleges and youth groups attended the Life Matters Program, held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko on Saturday March 13 from 2.30pm to 5pm. It focused on the Respect for Life and the Dignity of Life.

The discussion and presentations during the program were centered around the respect of life at conception, a current issue that is on the rise. Sister Alice Fulgencio fma helped the young people understand the difference between ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice.’ A video testimony by a pro-life advocate Patricia Sandoval was then screened. The program was aimed at helping young people make good decisions based on ethical and moral values according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The program had prayer moments, presentations, questions and discussions. It was coordinated by the SOCOM Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference with the support of Caritas PNG, Family Life, Youth and the other commissions. Participating young people were young people and leaders of the different schools and some parishes of the Nation’s Capital. 

The participants actively participated and asked reflective and relevant questions on moral issues. These were answered by vibrant young animators. “It is important that you share what you have learnt in your school or parish”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, coordinator of the program. Young people are easily influenced by the Media and the program gave them a platform to share their faith and grow in spirituality.

Over 300 participants were initially expected to attend the program, but numbers were restricted to enable social distancing. "It is good that programs of a spiritual and sacramental nature for young people are held at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians." said Cardinal John Ribat.

Juliette Dawa who attended the program said, “The testimony of Patricia struck me as she mentioned that medical practitioners were unaffected by what they were doing. They did not care about the life they were destroying, nor did they care about the effect on the young undergoing the abortions”.

Another participant Shaynn Kokova expressed that “What struck me in this program was the personal story of Patricia.”

“As a young person, I am inspired by the topic, ‘Life Matters’ because it made me reflect and think wisely about life,” said Elmah Alfred.

And Nanise-Symone Patimos had this to say, “What struck me the most was that destroying innocent life through abortion is a sin.”

-        Jessica Oata