Cheers could be heard at every corner of the Abe Issa Auditorium of the St George's College in Kingston yesterday afternoon, as participating countries in the one-week Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) marched to the stage with their flags.

The ceremony marked the opening of the youth assembly, which gathers young Roman Catholics of the Antilles under the theme 'Evangelising Youth for a Fuller Life in Christ'. The week's conference, which will include workshop and other events, is being held in an effort to prepare youngsters for their journey in Christ. The conference ends on July 20.

Performers from Jessie Ripoll Primary School showcased Jamaican culture through dances, bringing vibrancy to the hundreds of people representing their home countries at the ceremony.

Culture of peace

The Most Reverend Robert Rivas, chairman of the AEC youth commission and Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia, charged the young people to take a stronger stance for life and build a culture of peace.

"We want you to discover Catholic identity. We want you to commit to a closer walk to Jesus. Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe," he said.

Young people and adolescents constitute the majority of the Catholic population in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He called for them to be youths for life, justice and truth.

Giselle Rawlins, youth co-ordinator for St Peter's Carenage in Trinidad and Tobago, said she was elated to be part of the session, which would reaffirm and deepen her commitment to the Catholic faith.

"It gives me hope as a young person to know that Jesus is alive and continues to be alive, especially when we as young people from the Caribbean come together to celebrate Him. We will learn a lot at this conference, especially from the many youths present here today," she declared.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com