The maiden two-day retreat for the Youth Apostolate of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester, Massachusetts has ended with a call on the youth to make good use of the talent given to them by God.
Nicholas Obeng, President of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester who gave the advice also urged the youth to seek counseling and to listen to advice from the elderly through which they will be wise and prosper in life, quoting from Proverbs 19:20 and Psalm 111:10 to support his claim.
Obeng gave the admonition at the closing of a two-day retreat organized by the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Worcester for the Youth Apostolate. Activities during the two day retreat included Rosary Prayers, Bible Game, Praises and Worship, Bible Discussion and intercessory prayers.
Obeng advised the youth to engage and participate in the various ministries and societies within the church and the community in which they live so that they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Obeng urged the youth to practice and live their Catholic faith by praying constantly, attend Sunday masses regularly to listen to the word of God and to participate in the Eucharist, to receive the Sacrament of reconciliation on a regular bases, to keep the ten commandments and express love at all times.
He explained, further, that “as human beings, we falter, we sin, and there is the need for us to go for confession for God to pardon us so that we can be closer to God”.
Obeng urged the youth to love their neighbors as themselves, adding that “as brothers and sisters, you need to be friendly to each other”.
Quoting from Proverbs 10:9-11, Obeng urged the youth to be truthful to themselves and to the community in which they live so that they will ensure peace and prosperity in the community at all times.
He commended the youth for taking time to attend the retreat and to be closer to God and prayed that the good Lord will reward them for the time they spent during the retreat and for seeking the face of God.
Assumptionist Priest, Rev. Fr. Mulumba Kambale Matsongani in a sermon during the concluding mass said the youth are children of God and advised them that their love for God must be manifested in their relationship with others.
Rev. Fr. Mulumba said love is among the virtues that Jesus Christ gave mankind that allows us to be different from others.
He urged the youth to practice prayer and repentance to enable them to inherit the kingdom of God.