More than 300 young people from across the Mandalay Catholic Archdiocese gathered on May 2 for a one-day training course focused on spiritual renewal, digital wellness, and prophetic witness.

The event, held at Nazareth School near Pyin Oo Lwin, was led by Fr. Alphone Aung Ko Lat, the archdiocesan Youth Director. Participants came from parishes including St. Vincent De Paul Parish from Zawgyi, Sts. Peter and Paul parish from Amarapura, St. Anthony Parish from Mandalay, Sacred Heart Parish from Pyin Oo Lwin, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lafon St. Joseph Parish, and St. Michael (Than Win) from Mandalay, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish from Chanthargone. Children from an orphanage also attended.

Prophetic Calling

The training began with a Mass, during which Fr. John Gam Seng (SDB) delivered a stirring homily. He challenged the young attendees to be more than just listeners of the Word.

“God is calling young people to do prophetic work,” Fr. Gam Seng said. “If every young person lives by God’s truth, we will see the fruits of prophecy in our surroundings, our families, and our communities.”

Theology of the Body and Digital Balance

Fr. Peter Yan Naung led a session titled “Appreciating Our Bodies.” He spoke about the sanctity of the human form as a temple of the Holy Spirit and cautioned against excessive technology use.

He noted a concerning trend of youth spending too much time on social media and online games. He urged them to prioritize physical health and face-to-face communication, and to build relationships on purity and honesty.

A Call to Service

In the afternoon, Fr. Raymond Than (SDB) shared insights on consecrated service. He described youth as a “fleeting moment” and a “golden kingdom” that must be used for the benefit of the Church and society.

“Youth is the time to be fresh, active, and courageous—to dare to do right even when it’s difficult,” Fr. Than remarked. He encouraged participants to find their roles within their parishes, reminding them that “God never rejects you.”

Addressing Emotional Needs

Fr. Alphone Aung Ko Lat explained that the timing of the event, during the holidays following Thingyan, was intentional to ensure maximum participation. Beyond religious education, organizers aimed to address young people’s emotional state.

“Some of our youth are feeling lost or depressed,” Fr. Alphone said. “We hope this training provides the spiritual and emotional strength they need to navigate these challenges.”

Voices from the Youth

Participants expressed a strong desire for more such training sessions. Ko Tin Nyi Htet from St. Xavier’s Parish said the courses help youth become more confident and take on leadership roles.

Julian Elert, Youth Leader from Pyin Oo Lwin, said, “Seeing everyone active under God’s shadow makes me feel His presence. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Be confident in your goals.”

Victoria from Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish noted, “We gained so much knowledge. I invite all young people who couldn’t make it today to join us next time.”

The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the Mandalay youth, who left committed to serving their communities and living out the teachings of the Church in their daily lives.

By RAV Myanmar Service