Participants of the immersion program of the Diocese of Melbourne hold an activity after a community visit in Manila. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
A group of young Australian Catholics expressed their solidarity with Filipino victims of disasters and human rights abuses.
"What we can do is to make them feel that they are not alone," said Kait Van Amelsvoort, a Grade 11 pupil from Melbourne.
Amelsvoort was one of eight students who joined an immersion program in the Philippines organized by the Catholic Mission of Melbourne Diocese.
The program was hosted by Contak Philippines, a faith-based group that promotes international ecumenical solidarity.
The group of young Australians visited typhoon-stricken areas, urban poor communities, and families of victims of summary executions during the first two weeks of December.
"The people of the Philippines have been hit by so many disasters, natural and man-made, yet they hold on to their faith so strongly," said Amelsvoort.
In a statement, the students said their visit to the Philippines made them realize "how good we have it in Australia and how much we can do to help other people."
"It changed the way we look at poverty," read the group's statement. The students vowed, "to help people in poverty" when they get back to their country.
Kevin Meese, director of Catholic Mission, said the program is part of the diocese's goal "to animate the Catholic community in terms of mission."
"Our primary focus is the formation of people in their religious development so that they have a missionary outlook and a strong sense of justice," he said.
Keese said stressed the importance of exposing young Catholics to "realities because nothing can come close to having the personal experience."
He said Melbourne Diocese expects that the immersion program will "not just become an experience but a stepping stone to a lifelong decision in promoting social justice."
"Through the experience, we expect that we can build up a group of people who will support each other in making sure that the initial enthusiasm to be an advocate of social justice does not fade," said Keese.
Agong Capus, program director of Contak Philippines, said the program does not only expose visitors to the current situation in the Philippines but also aims to "build solidarity among races."
Capus said the immersion program allows young people "to see not only the story of desperation and abject poverty but also hope, struggle, redemption, and victory."
