Jamaica: August 28, 2013. (PCP) The youth ensemble was celebrated in our diocese with immense enthusiasm and excitement as 375 young people gathered at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall at St. Joseph Church in Savanna-la-mar. This Ensemble was held in relation to the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 23 to July 28, 2013. The intention and aim of the Ensemble was to encourage all the youths of the diocese to learn about and explore the oneness, unity and diversity of the Holy Catholic Church. The theme was “Go and Make the Disciples of the All Nations.” This symbolizes the universality of the Church. No matter our colour, culture, language or geographic location we are members of the Catholic Church. Christ and his message treats each of us the same. The invitation is very clear and open for all. The catholic youth ministry office was dedicated to bringing all the youths from the parishes to one place in order to celebrate the vision of the church and to encourage them to become his witness in their own surroundings. The program started with a welcoming of Bishop Burchell McPherson and Rev. Father Jim Bok, OFM, the dean of the Westmorland/Hanover deanery. They both were welcomed by Miss Gloria Daily of the St Joseph’s Church, Savanna-la-mar. After the welcoming children presented them with flowers and they cut the ribbon as an official opening to the day. Praise and worship, provided by St. Mary’s, Revival, and St. Julie Billiart, Orange Hill, created the mood of inviting God amongst us and helped to create the atmosphere for the entire day. A young married couple, Marlon and Karen Mackenzie, emceed the programme and their passion for youth was evident. Then Father Bernard Younas, OFM, Director of the Catholic Youth Ministry & Vocation Office for the diocese of Montego Bay was invited to welcome everyone and to introduce the program for the day. He also shared the history of the World Youth Day movement. Bishop Burchell McPherson then took the stage to address the youth. It was his first time as bishop to talk to the youth of the diocese. His address was engaging, realistic, practical, and down to earth and his love for the youth was obvious. He started with his own vocation story about how God called him to join the Catholic Church. He also discussed the challenges faced by the Catholic youth in Jamaica. He came down from the stage and walked among the youth, engaging them in a question and answer style. This was an excellent approach since he could be among the youth and gave the youth a chance to share what they are facing in their daily lives and what others say about the Catholic Church. He encouraged the youth to not be afraid of anything with regard to their faith. Instead they have to be brave enough to face all kinds of criticism and be strong witnesses in their Catholic faith. Later many youths shared their experiences about how strong and proud they are to be Catholics. After bishop’s talk a very creative and powerful performance was done by the youths of St. Mark, Grange Hill. They prepared a wonderful song in Patois to honuor Bishop Burchell. The song talked about “how blessed we are that we were given a bishop by God who loves the youths and ready to do anything for the youth.” A delicious lunch was served to all the youths and time was allowed for everyone to mingle with each other and exchange ideas. After the lunch break a presentation was done by the youth who went to World Youth Day in Rio. The presentation about their experience was outstanding, touching and inspiring. Through this trip they all became very proud to be Catholic and were inspired by the universal nature of the Catholic Church. This experience changed their lives, and they are ready to work hard for the youth of their respective parishes, making disciples and establishing the Kingdom of God here in Jamaica. Deacon Baldwin Powell gave the final presentation, who is well known for his charismatic, motivational, and dynamic talks. He has immense experience in counseling, guiding and leading youths. In doing so, he helps the youths set up their future goals and to see things beyond the horizon. We were honoured that he assisted our youth during this day. He said that the Youth Ensemble was a “historical youth gathering in our diocese”. He also mentioned that our coming together for the Youth Ensemble is a great witness and encouraged the youth to be strong and proud of their Catholic faith. This is particularly true when they are attacked about their faith. They must be ready to learn more and more about our faith. It requires personal commitment, dedication and devotion. The Holy Eucharist, which is the centre of our Catholic faith, was celebrated. Bishop Burchell was the main celebrant of the mass. He was joined by the priests, deacons, and a seminarian. Father Bernard was the preacher. He said, “You and all of us present here are very young, we are blessed with so many innate talents and skills, let us promise to God that we will be ready to accompany Him, in our churches, parishes, meetings, and at the diocesan level. Never forget that each one of us is gifted with the Catholic Faith.” At the end of the Holy Mass Bishop Burchell thanked everyone who worked hard to make this day a reality. He encouraged everyone by telling them that this day is not the end but rather the beginning and renewal of Catholic youth witnessing in our diocese. The day ended with the unforgettable procession of Ensemble participants, led by the marching band from Sacred Heart Church, Seaford Town. The marching started from the Sean Lavery Faith Hall, preceded into the town of Savanna-la-mar, down Great Georges Street and back to the church. Youth Ensemble 2013 was indeed a Spirit-filled, exciting and glorious day. Many thanks to the hardworking and dedicated committee, which is looking forward to a bigger and better year.