Tororo, (UG):- Over 5,000 young people from across the 49 parishes in Tororo Archdiocese have converged at Martyrs Cathedral Nyangole for this year’s youth conference, themed “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.” The majority of these attendees hope to deepen their Christian faith and gain strength to face life’s challenges without losing heart.
A Vibrant Atmosphere
By yesterday evening, large numbers of young people from the various parishes began arriving for the 2024 youth camp. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. By this morning, over five thousand had registered and settled, eagerly awaiting the camp’s activities to commence. The camp officially kicked off with a spirited praise and worship session as the young Christians offered adoration to their Creator.
Engaging Activities
Following praise and worship, the young people participated in various sessions covering topics like financial literacy, understanding sacraments, leadership, and adoration throughout the day.
Hopes for Growth
When asked about their expectations for the camp, many young people expressed their desire to strengthen their faith and grow in their Christian journey.
Jane Khainza, a camper, shared: “I want see the Jane leaving this place as a different Jane. I have come the old me but I expect a new me full of faith, fill of the holly spirit, so i shouldn’t go back as old as i came.”
Another camper, Janckins Etyang, echoed these sentiments: “Most important of all is strengthening my faith and relationship with God. Meaning i am going to have a close encounter with my God. Secondly, I am also going to meet different people, make connections to build on my social life what i call social capital.”
A Call for Renewal
Both Jane and Janckins emphasized that many young people today are facing moral decay, and camps like this are crucial in helping them rebuild their relationship with God and build a brighter future.
Janckins continued: ” We the young people have degenerated and we have diverted to what we’re not supposed to do. We have diverted to alcoholism, early marriages and we forget to seek God.”
Jane added: “You’re with a youth and they’re doing a different things and you’re like how should I help them. So that’s one thing which pushes me to come for such occasions, may be to interact with other leaders on how they’re handling youth in their parishes and dinneries, get information and ideas from them and in that way will be able to help my youth in Bududa.”
Impactful Experiences
Among the attendees are some who have previously participated in similar camps and are hopeful that this year’s event will have a lasting impact on the lives of the young people.
Deo Wasolo, a youth leader from St. Austin Mbale, remarked: “I started these conferences in 2018 from Palisa, went to Mulagi, Budadiri and I am here in Nyangole and i want to assure you from the time i started these fellowships I haven’t remained the same.”
Fr. Valerian Odoi, the youth chaplain for Tororo Archdiocese, expressed his optimism about the camp’s significance.
He said: “This annual event, culminating in a Mass on Saturday, is a powerful opportunity for our young people to strengthen their faith, connect with one another, and be inspired to live a life of service and love.”
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