Port Moresby (Papua Nuova Guinea). From 4 to 6 April 2025, at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Boroko, Port Moresby, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello Province (FIL), the 4th Laudato Si’ Camp was held organized by the FODE Mary Help of Christians (MHCVETFC) Professional Formation Center.
About 210 young people, representing four parishes and four schools, including MHCVETFC students through their six Salesian Youth Groups (GSG), participated in the Camp, which aimed to promote the care of Mother Earth, of humanity and all living creatures, and a culture of life, with the theme: “Reuse, Recycle, Hope for Tomorrow”.
The Camp Committee, coordinated by Sister Antonette Rebello, FMA, in collaboration with Ms. Moripi, Miss Carvajal, Ms. Dagi, Mr. Naime, and members of the Media Club and with the great support of Mary Help of Christians Community, organized the various activities. The event began with a welcome ceremony, with the presentation of the motto of each school, parish, and GSG participating and with a dynamic of knowledge facilitated by Sister Angelica Quirante. Followed a talk on the 5R of Environmental Sustainability, presented by members of the Media Club, a special Laudato Si’ Rosary, and a talk on climate change given by Mr. Vanua Geno, Red Cross Papua New Guinea Disaster Management Coordinator.
An awareness-raising activity gave participants the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with residents of Cheshire Disabled Services and selected pupils from Bavaroko Primary School, including a brief cleaning of the school and tree planting, after the pupils had learned, through a theatrical performance, the proper separation of waste and care for the environment.
Many of the participants highlighted this awareness-raising activity as the most engaging, because they delved into human nature and come to appreciate more the importance of caring for one another.
The young people also prepared creative presentations based on the theme, lived a festive evening together, participated in moments of praise and worship, and renewed their commitment to caring for the environment.
As per tradition in every Salesian environment, each day ended with the Good Night by Sister Cristina Villasanta and Sister Ester Silva respectively, on the first and second evening. Sister Cristina encouraged the participants to make the most of their talents and abilities to bring a positive influence on others and in society, leaving Blessed Carlo Acutis, now close to Canonization, as a model.
Sister Ester spoke about the true happiness and satisfaction that is experienced in service to others, as for those who care for the sick, and urged participants to take care of others and the environment.
The camp concluded with a Eucharistic celebration, preceded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation offered to the Catholic participants. Everyone returned to their homes full of joy and renewed hope in helping create a better tomorrow, through caring for the environment and, above all, for the people around them. Most participants in the camp expressed a desire to be able to return to the next Laudato Si’ Camp.
Congratulations, dear FMA Sisters and young people, for this dynamic, life-giving ecological event! May our Blessed Mother, queen of creation, smile on you always!
The camp was a wonderful experience for us educators to allow our young people see the reality beyond their own. It was also an experience of collaboration among ourselves and with others who share in the mission of education – schools and parishes and join together for the cause of caring for the environment and all that is in there.