UCA News
Contribute

Festival unites young groups

Three-day event encourages unity, brotherhood among diverse cultures
Festival unites young groups
Published: June 07, 2011 09:22 AM GMT
Updated: June 07, 2011 09:22 AM GMT

A three-day arts festival has united hundreds of Catholic university students from different ethnic groups in Pontianak, capital of West Kalimantan province. Traditional songs, dances, poems and a fashion show were part of the festival which ended on Sunday at the Pangsuma Stadium. A Holy Mass concelebrated by Capuchin Archbishop Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun of Pontianak and several priests opened the event on June 3. “It is hoped everyone will take an active part in proclaiming the Good News. And this festival is an effort to make this real. The Church supports positive efforts taken by university students,” the prelate said in his homily. The festival was the first of its kind in the town and saw various ethnic groups such as Bugis, Dayak, Javanese and Malays stress unity and brotherhood among youths of varying backgrounds. “This event aimed to encourage them to build unity and brotherhood. It is also hoped the festival will inspire a desire to preserve local traditions,” according to Dominican Father Yohanes Robini Maryanto, a chaplain to university students. He said the festival also served as a medium for cultural sharing among youths of different cultures. But in a speech at the gathering the daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid warned that many people still cannot accept and respect such ethnic diversity. “This is dangerous, because it might spark serious divisions,” said Zannuba Ariffah Chafsoh Rahman Wahid. Related Reports: Youth camp boosts interfaith unityStudent Interfaith Coalition Pledges To Build Politics Of Unity

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia