TT to host RC youth assembly

THE ANTILLES Episcopal Conference Youth Commission (AECYC) yesterday unveiled plans for a Youth Assembly to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 11 - 21.

Spokesman, Sheldon Narine, said it would the second assembly of its kind and participants would be coming from throughout the Caribbean, as well as from as far away as Belize, Bermuda and Canada. National Youth Coordinator for the Assembly Programme, Sr Rose Mary Carvalho, said the event would involve 3,000 young persons. In addition, it is expected to attract at least 10,000 participants to events at various locations throughout the country. The closing mass is expected to involve approximately 20,000 persons.

Chairperson for the AEC Assembly, Bishop Robert Rivas, said “young people needed hope” and this could be provided by the church and other such institutions. While the theme of this year’s assembly is “Do Whatever He Tells You...,” Rivas said the congregation would be left with the following question on the closing day: “What More Can I Do?” He added that it would be a time of learning for the participants, in addition to experiencing the joy of their faith and reaffirming their beliefs. “This is another example of regional integration and Caribbean unity,” he said.

Rivas acknowledged that people were moving away from the church, following recent allegations of sexual misconduct about priests, and this had affected the life of the church. However, he added, “in terms of restoring the image of the church, the church has continued to be faithful to Jesus Christ, and to be true to herself and the gospel.” Rivas said the church was trying to restore its image by reaching out to the youth, and the assembly was a positive thing. He admitted that the church was losing members, but claimed it was also gaining members from other institutions.