Hari Warga Kampus-17: youths told don’t stay sunk, get up and move on

KOTA KINABALU – Three hundred and eighty Catholic students from eight campuses around Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Keningau Arch/dioceses were told not to “stay sunk, but get up and move on” at the Hari Warga Kampus 17 (HWK-17) recently.

The  HWK-17 was held on  Oct 3 at the Sacred Heart  Parish Centre here. The participants were from Catholic Student Group (CSG) UMS, UNITAR, Politeknik KK, ACIC, UMS Labuan, IPG (Kent, Tawau, Keningau), Kolej Yayasan Sabah and UiTM. The annual gathering was co-organized by Catholic Student Council and Archdiocesan Campus Ministry Office. Hari Warga Kampus is open to all University and college students.

Fr Antonius Haryanto or better known as Fr Harry from Indonesia was invited as the guest speaker for HWK-17. Fr Harry gave Apologetic inputs based on the book Youcat, which talked about knowing, appreciating, defending and sharing the Catholic faith.

Coming from different background and difficulties, they were affirmed through the talks that Jesus loves them. Thus, they were urged to move on and not stay sunk; loving their neighbours and sharing Jesus with others. Fr Harry also showed them how to read the Youcat in order to know better the aspects of our Catholic faith, for example, Worship and its importance.

The Q&A session gave opportunities to the students to ask any questions pertaining to our faith. Among questions asked for clarification were ‘Who is Mother Mary?’ and her role in the Catholic faith. Besides this session, the students also shared about their experiences in groups.

HWK-17 concert was held at night. It was open to the public and other parishioners, youngsters as well as parents. Fr Harry opened the concert with a reflection on the theme “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”. Not only was the concert an avenue for them to share their talents but it was also a way of evangelization. The concert also saw unity from amongst the various CSGs through harmonizing of talents in their performances: drama, singing and dancing. The concert ended at 10.00 pm which marked the end of HWK-17.

Hari Warga Kampus has been held since 1997, with its first gathering at St Philip Tamparuli. It was during the 5th HWK that annual themes were introduced to regulate the gatherings. Parishes/churches that were used as venues were St Joseph Tombongon Kiulu, St Paul Dontozidon, St James Tenghilan, St Simon Likas, Pace Bene Papar and Sacred Heart Cathedral, KK.

To all University and college students who wish to get to know the Catholic Student Group in your campus, you may contact Campus Ministry Office for further information. Phone: 088-712 297 and/or email campuskk@gmail.com