More than 170 young Catholics from across the Diocese of Ketapang gathered at St. Peter and Paul Parish in Sungai Daka from Oct. 3 to 5 for the Central Region Youth Jubilee, an event that blended faith formation, cultural tradition, and environmental action.
The celebration opened Friday with the sound of traditional gongs, the pancung bambu muda (young bamboo cutting) ritual, and the topung tawar blessing in Dayak tradition—symbols of welcome and thanksgiving that set a distinctly local tone for the gathering.
The three-day Jubilee, themed “Young People Walking with God, Proclaiming a Hope That Never Disappoints,” drew participants from five parishes: St. Gabriel Sandai, Holy Cross Menyumbung, Sacred Heart of Jesus Randau, Holy Family Sepotong, and host parish St. Peter and Paul Sungai Daka.
At the opening Mass, Fr. Petrus Riyant, chair of the diocesan Youth Commission (KOMKEP), urged participants to embody the spirit of “3B”—“Walking together, Praying together, and Serving together.”
“Be holy in life, smart in thought, and joyful in service,” he said, echoing the message of Ketapang Bishop Pius Riana Prapdi, who envisions “OMK JOSSS”—young Catholics who are Holy, Smart, and Joyful.
The following day was devoted to formation sessions and group activities led by Fr. Riyant and the KOMKEP team.
In his presentation, Fr. Riyant reminded participants that their contribution to the Church is immediate and indispensable. “Challenges and struggles will always exist, but those who rely on God will find strength in every step,” he said.
The day’s activities included team-building games designed to strengthen trust and cooperation. Participants also received updates on upcoming national and international Catholic youth events, including Identity Identified, Pre-IYD 4, IYD 4 in Sorong, World Youth Day Korea, and KYD 4.
On Sunday, October 5, the Jubilee closed with a thanksgiving Mass and a Laudato Si’ environmental action. Participants planted trees around the church grounds as a concrete expression of their faith and ecological commitment.
“Planting a tree means planting hope,” said one youth from St. Gabriel Parish, Sandai. “We want to leave a small mark of love for our Earth and our Church.”
