By Christine Ann Obek
MIRI — A total of over 1,100 teenagers from the various parishes in the Diocese of Miri – Miri, Batu Niah, Bintulu, Limbang, Sungai Asap, Tatau, Marudi, Long Lama, Long San, Lapok, and Belaga, attended the “Teenager’s Rally” organised by Christ Teens that was held from 10 April to 12 April 2024, at Imperial Hotel, Miri.
The theme, “Spirit Surge”, was chosen for this year’s rally, to remind the participants of the Holy Spirit’s power moving among them, and to constantly ignite the Holy Spirit in their daily lives through prayer. It was indeed a beautiful sight to witness such a huge group of teenagers gathering to spend their time with Father God, invoking the Holy Spirit, and being soaked in God’s love for three days. The opening Mass was concelebrated by the priests of various Miri Diocese parishes.
In Fr Sylvester’s talk, “Echoes of Grace”, the participants were made aware that praise and worship is yet another method that we can call upon God in prayer. Although God has no need of our praise and it adds nothing to His greatness, praising God profits us for our salvation, and ultimately heals us.
Fr Henry in his talk, taught the teens that the Scriptures is a living word; it is not just text to be read. In his talk, “God’s Love Language”, he shared on how to read the scripture the “Lectio Divina” way. “Lectio Divina” means “divine reading”; it is a way of immersing oneself in Scripture Reading on a personal level. The four steps of Lectio Divina are Lectio (Reading), Meditatio (Meditation), Oratio (prayer), and Contemplatio (contemplation). This requires that we set aside a time of silence for just “me and God”. Reading and contemplating on God’s words is just a first step. Fr Henry reminded the rally participants that we are called not only to be hearers and readers of God’s word, but to be doers of God’s words too.
In praying, we need to learn how to be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. In “Let Your Fire Fall”, Fr Sylvester talked about how the Spirit helps us in our weakness, especially when we do not know what we ought to pray for. In times when we are faced with cross-roads in life, invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance.
In the final talk on Day 3, entitled “Jesus, my Rock”, Fr Henry reminded the teens that their time at the 3-day rally was not merely about having lots of fun and making new friends, but it is also a “Kairos” time with God – a time for a sacred communion, a closer relationship and for God to move within their spirits.
Over the three days, the teenagers actively and spiritually participated in praise and worship sessions, healing session and Taizé prayer session. Many also responded to the altar call. They filled a prayer box with their fervent prayer intentions. All these sessions were aimed at helping the participants to open up their hearts and surrender completely to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Richard Ng celebrated the closing Mass for Teenagers’ Rally. The prayer box with the teenagers’ intentions and thoughts was offered up during the Mass. Bishop Richard reminded the congregation that God answers all prayers in His time and according to His will. God knows what we need, even when we ourselves do not.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the teens went home to glorify the Lord with their lives.
