By Father Leon Cruz Ratinam
MUMBAI, JUNE 28, 2018: The Youth Ministry seminar for all the Mumbai Salesian province youth ministry delegates, young priests, junior Salesian sisters, participants from Couples for Christ and Singles for Christ was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Mumbai from June 13 to 15.
The animators were Father Francis Gustilo, a Salesian from the Philippines, Joanna Oliva, his niece, and a member of the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life. Both are professors of theology and are actively involved in the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life.
On the first day, Father Gustilo introduced the participants to the Liturgical Bible Study (LBS) method. He first explained the entire procedure to the participants. The participants were then divided into groups and they had to go through the entire LBS method which consists of finding a common thread running through the readings, application of the message and its actualisation in concrete life situations.
The participants felt that this method of Bible study had practical application for studying the Bible in groups like SSCs, preparing homilies and helping the laity understand the Word of God better. The session ended with the participants watching the inspirational movie, 'The Shack'.
On the second day, Oliva spoke about the 'Live Pure Movement' and introduced the Theology of the Body according to St John Paul II. She spoke about original solitude and original unity. She then went on to explain to the participants the concept of five love languages and how each one differs from one another on account of our different preferences for expressing and experiencing love.
The exercise helped the participants understand themselves better and to identify the love language of those who interacted with them on a regular basis thus facilitating better understanding in relationships. The musical 'The Greatest Showman' that was screened towards the end of the day, helped the participants recognise the image and likeness of God in every individual person.
The third day had the participants focus on original nakedness, which helped them understand the dignity of every human person irrespective of differences and foster better self esteem as well. Every participant was invited to prepare their personal coat of arms, which reflected their ideals and commitments.
The three-day session ended at noon after the participants thanked the resource persons for helping them make important connections between Scripture, doctrine and individual lives that would help them in their ministry especially among the young.