YOUTH 2009

INTERNATIONAL
MISSIONARY CAMP

In LUBLIN
 POLAND
From 18 to 24 August 09

REPORT

From the 18 to 24 august 2009, an international missionary youth camp organized by the white Fathers and White Sisters was held In Lublin in an atmosphere of conviviality and prayer. In all (students and animators), we were 45 participants from 4 countries of which the majority were the Polish.

Inspired by the spirit of our founder Charles Lavigerie we shared among other things the following themes: Africa, all to all, unity and diversity and vocation.

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There was active participation of all especially in small groups and for many it was a wonderful discovery of some aspects about Africa and our missionary life. Indeed, every body felt at home here in the house and the family spirit enabled all to express themselves freely and to act responsibly in the smooth upkeep of the house during this week.

There was also time for recreation were we had the following activtivities: guided visit the museum and the old town of Lublin, singing and dancing and drama as well as sports.

The meals were excellent thanks to Madame Lucina and Sr. Haidi. 2 Ethiopian, friends of the house came all the way from Warsaw to come to prepare a special Ethiopian food which was appreciated by all.

The spiritual dimension of our gathering was high lighted with beautiful masses, and inspiring morning and evening prayers as well as adoration taking into account creativity and diversity of our languages and cultural origins. On Sunday23 august, we prayed with the parish community where we animated the mass in an African atmosphere and there was a lot of joy felt by every one.

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In the evaluation made by the participants it was expressed by all that the camp was a total success since it offered them even more than what they expected. Some even expressed that they lived deep spiritual transformation here. The day of departure was filled with emotions as separation was painful after this wonderful week of joy and sharing. As a sign of gratitude, they unanimously requested that we hold another camp next year. They pledged also to be missionaries in their schools and places. We hope that next year there will be more participants from Poland and from other countries of Europe.

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All were also in admiration with the hospitality received, the openness of our house to them, and above all the exemplary fraternal relations existing between the White Fathers and White Sisters, their simplicity and personal witnesses.
We thank God who enabled us to live this time of grace. The youth were encouraged in their life and were happy to learn about the richness of our missionary charime, about our passion for Africa. We also as missionaries felt renewed and confirmed in what we live. Yes, missionary animation and vocations is relevant and is worthwhile in Europe.


Fr. Otto Katto

 


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