By Ashley Shammah Edward
AFTER a 10-year hiatus, the Catholic Society of St Michael’s Institution (SMI), organised the AGAPE Camp: One Through His Love. This day-long camp welcomed youth aged 13 to 19 from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds, drawing participants from various schools: SMI, Methodist Girls’ School (MGS), SMK Main Convent, SMJK Ave Maria Convent, SMK Anderson, and SMJK Sam Tet. A total of 70 students came together in fellowship and faith.
The name “AGAPE” captured the essence of the camp — a love that is unconditional, selfless, and divine. Its mission was to help young people discover the true meaning of love through God’s eyes. In a world that often reduces love to fleeting emotions, AGAPE sought to reintroduce the theological weight of love as described in 1 John 4:8 — “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The day began at 7.00am with laughter, excitement, and joyful anticipation. The organising committee, always on their toes, extended a warm welcome to everyone, ensuring that the atmosphere was lively and inclusive. After an opening prayer by Teacher Advisor Puan Komathi and welcoming speeches, participants engaged in ice-breaking activities that fostered instant connections. Even at that early stage, it was clear that the Holy Spirit was at work.
A talk by Fr Stanley Antoni from the Church of St Joseph, Bagan Serai, challenged the youth to reflect deeply on their lives. He invited them to openly share the struggles they faced as young people today: social pressure, addiction, gender confusion, depression, gossip, and anxiety. These honest answers revealed the spiritual battles many are quietly fighting. Fr Stanley then guided them in thinking through these issues from a Christian perspective — focusing on how their attitude, actions, and faith could turn darkness into light. Their responses were creative, insightful, and full of hope.
The highlight of the morning was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St Michael’s chapel, led by Fr Stanley. The moment was sacred and intimate, the air filled with incense and reverence. His homily, based on Matthew 5:34-37, struck a chord with everyone present. He reminded the youth: “Wrong is wrong, no matter who you are. There is no such thing as ‘you’re too young’—truth doesn’t change. Yes means yes, and no means no.” His passionate delivery moved the room deeply — a testament to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Next, an exhilarating Bible Hunt had hearts racing and minds working in teams. Afterward, the committee presented a short play titled Unseen Hands, about a sceptical boy whose friendship with a devout Catholic girl leads him to find faith in God. The play was humorous yet meaningful, reminding us of our call to be fishers of men and salt of the earth.
The afternoon featured enriching sessions, starting with Gordon Jude Seneviratne, who led group discussions on “Loving Your Neighbour”. He used interactive activities to explore the importance of compassion and inclusivity, sharing his personal experiences that resonated deeply with the participants.
Following that was a heartfelt session by Ashley Cesca Shammah, titled Unconditionally: You Are Loved More Than You’ll Ever Know by Someone Who Died to Know You. She gave the youth reflective questions, involved their group leaders, and shared her powerful testimony. Her authenticity brought many to tears, and several participants later expressed how much her talk had touched their hearts.
As the day neared its end, the OMPH Youth Ministry led a time of praise and worship. Hands were raised, voices soared in unison, and hearts united in gratitude and awe. The presence of God was palpable.
The camp concluded with the distribution of tokens of appreciation to challenge winners and guest speakers, followed by a joyful group photo session.
AGAPE Camp: One Through His Love was more than just a camp — it was a spiritual awakening. It reminded everyone that no matter the trials and tribulations we face, God’s love is constant and unfailing. Through His love, we are made one. Even our struggles, when surrendered to Him, are woven into a greater plan for our lives. – Herald Malaysia
