After a long interruption due to the Covid 19 epidemic, on Tuesday, July 31, 2024, a good tradition that existed more than 20 years ago was re-enacted, which was the Alphonsus Camp for Jrai youth, took place at Plei Chuet Parish. This re-enactment of the Alphonsus Camp was only organized on a small scale, with Jrai youth from the Parishes and Sub-parishes under the responsibility of the Pleiku House (unlike previous times, there were also Jrai youth from the Parishes of the Cheo Reo, Plei Kly and Mang Yang communities).
The original purpose of the Alphonsus Camp was to create opportunities for young people to have fun and play, to create connections between them, to learn the customs and practices of their ancestors, as well as to equip them with life skills. In particular, this time, the additional purpose was to guide the children into the life of the Church, as Youth Participating in the Life of the Church ( Hlăk Ai Jrai Mu\t Mă Bru\a Amăng Tơlơi Hơdip Khul Jơnum Mơyang ) – and that is also the theme of this Camp. As expected, after returning to their parish, the children could actively participate in the activities of the parish, or at least involve themselves in activities that benefit their families and society.
After the opening announcement by the Camp Organizer Father Superior Marco Bui Duy Chien, about 370 young people with their youthful enthusiasm made the atmosphere at Plei Chuet Parish vibrant and exciting, despite the sudden showers, despite the cold of the Central Highlands rainy season. All events went smoothly according to the program carefully prepared by Father Anton Nguyen Van Hop, Father Peter Nguyen Bao Vinh and 50 collaborators from parishes and sub-parishes.
The highlight of the Alphonsus Camp was on August 1. As the Redemptorist Congregation around the world celebrated the feast of Saint Alphonsus, similarly the youth in the Jrai land chose Saint Alphonsus as their Patron Saint. There were present Fathers and brothers from the communities in the Gia Lai region; the visiting Fathers in the Kon Tum Diocese, the Sisters from many Congregations; many other guests and friends of the Redemptorist Congregation in Gia Lai, to solemnly celebrate the Mass in honor of Saint Alphonsus.
Before the Mass in honor of the Founder, there was a sending ceremony for the Redemptorist Lay Missionaries of the parishes and sub-parishes managed by the Redemptorist brothers in the Gia Lai region. Most of these Lay Missionaries are key members of the councils and organizations of the parish. The sending ceremony was to help them understand better the Redemptorist spirit and help them be more aware of their service with the Redemptorist charism. During the ceremony, the Provincial superior explained specifically to them about the Redemptorist charism, which is to immerse themselves in the three mysteries of Christ’s love that St. Alphonsus considered these three mysteries as the three pillars of Redemptorist spirituality: the mystery of the Incarnation, the mystery of the Cross and the mystery of the Eucharist.
After the Mass, everyone enjoyed a fraternal meal together, welcoming each other with all the hospitality of the Pleiku Fathers and brothers under the charge of the Pleiku Brothers.
Back at Alphonsus Camp, the young people continued their fun program until the afternoon of August 1. Fr. Joseph Tran Minh Chinh reminded the youth of their roles in the Church and in their own families, helping them realize that they have become more mature after attending this Alphonsus Camp. The camp ended with the blessing by Fr. Joseph.
Courtesy: Pleiku House reporter (dcctvn.org)
