The Parish of St. Damian Lau Baleng in Medan, Indonesia, hosted a vibrant youth retreat from October 26-27, fostering both faith and community among its young participants.
The program, managed by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC), provided an enriching space for youth to share in joy and deepen their spiritual connections.
Known as PERSADA (Perayaan Sumpah Pemuda), the youth group’s name commemorates the historic spirit of Indonesian youth who, on October 28, 1928, pledged unity as one nation speaking one language, Bahasa Indonesia.
This enduring commitment to unity inspired the retreat's theme and activities, blending faith with national pride.
Preparation for the retreat began on October 19, spearheaded by Brother Gerard, SS.CC. His leadership laid the groundwork for an event that balanced faith formation with engaging activities.
Participants had the chance to showcase their talents and enjoy friendly competition through table tennis, vocal performances of the Psalms (Mazmur), and the popular game Mobile Legend.
These elements attracted an even larger group of attendees, enhancing the retreat’s communal atmosphere.
The retreat’s spiritual focus came to life on the evening of October 26. After a shared meal, Brother Gerard led a reflection session, emphasizing the importance of building supportive relationships to strengthen both faith and personal growth.
Fr. Paulus Halek, SS.CC, then spoke to the youth, encouraging them to remain grateful for God’s blessings and to center their lives around God.
The evening concluded with a serene night prayer, where each participant lit a candle before a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, creating a moment of profound unity and devotion.
The following day, October 27, began with group faith-sharing sessions, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding among the participants.
The retreat concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Halek, marking the end of a weekend filled with spiritual enrichment and shared joy.
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