Boroko, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — December 7-9, 2025. For 17 consecutive years, the 300 Youth for Mary Camp, founded by the late Fr. Valeriano Barbero, SDB, has continued to gather young people across Port Moresby for faith formation, leadership growth, and community-building. Now known as the ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians) 300 Youth for Mary, the camp encourages effective communication, communal initiative, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, with Mary as guide and intercessor.
This year, 110 young people from various schools and parishes took part in the camp from November 7–9 at the DBTI Gym and the Mary Help of Christians Shrine. Organizers noted that attendance was lower than usual, likely due to graduation preparations and national examinations.
A key spiritual highlight of the opening night was Eucharistic Adoration and confession, experienced by participants as a profound moment of prayer, silence, and reconciliation. The reverence and prayerfulness shown by the young people were especially appreciated.
On Saturday, the youth listened to an inspiring talk on Marriage by Mr. Ramon Monj Garay (Couples for Christ). He encouraged participants to pray for their future spouses, to discern wisely, and to keep God at the center of relationships and future family life.
The day also featured a lively group activity focused on six saints highlighted during the Jubilee Year: St. Peter To Rot, St. Carlo Acutis, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Maria Troncatti, St. Bartolo Longo, and St. Carmen Rondiles Martinez—presented as models of holiness for today’s young people.
In the afternoon, Fr. Greg Bicomong, SDB, Superior of the PGS Vice-Province, offered a reflection on the Strenna theme, “Do whatever He tells you: Believers free to Serve” encouraging the youth to live with courage and steadfast faith. Drawing from the examples of St. Peter and St. Paul, he reminded participants that Christian hope is strengthened by trusting God in weakness and proclaiming faith with boldness.
Participants expressed gratitude to the young adult animators—Ms. Patrina Kaboanga, Mr. Jude Pokahup, Ms. Pedrolyn Kinavai, Mr. Hesron Mangyo—and to Sr. Alice Fulgencio, FMA, the spiritual animator, for their guidance and support throughout the camp.
