By Frencis Mae
BRUNEI – High-spirited youth from various districts of Brunei Darussalam gathered in the capital in a spirit of solidarity and sacrifice during the Lenten season. The 30-Hour Vicariate Youth Famine is an annual event that allows participants to fast from all meals for thirty full hours, with the purpose of experiencing the challenges of hunger while deepening their faith through prayer, reflection, and community.
This year’s event took place from Mar 16-18 at the Church of Our Lady of Assumption (COLA) under the theme Harmony in Hunger: Sharing in Times of Need. The theme was accompanied by a Bible verse from Romans 12:16: “Unity and humility in times of scarcity – live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” This verse served as a reminder to embrace humility, practise sacrifice, and strengthen the commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this holy season of Lent. The event saw an overwhelming response, with 170 youth participating ranging from 11 to 24 years old, who were divided into 11 groups. Each group took part in creating their own unique chants, engaging in prayer stations, and participating in various teambuilding games and activities.
In the opening remarks, it was announced that the funds raised from the 30-Hour Vicariate Youth Famine 2025 would be donated to charitable causes both locally and internationally. The beneficiaries include YASKA – Children’s Cancer Foundation in Brunei Darussalam, and Hospicio de San Jose and Asin At Ilaw in the Philippines. This charitable contribution highlighted the event’s deeper purpose of serving those in need, even as the youth journeyed through their own sacrifice.
The fasting officially began on the second day after breakfast, marking the start of thirty hours of abstention from food. Participants were reminded of the significance of fasting not just as a physical challenge, but as a spiritual exercise to help them reflect on the suffering and struggles of the less fortunate.
Fr Arin Sugit, parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, warmly welcomed the youth and offered words of encouragement. His remarks set the tone for the weekend, reminding the participants of the importance of journeying together through this season of Lent and supporting one another in their shared sacrifices.
The event featured two inspiring talks. The first, titled The Hope of Lent, delivered by Winnie from COOL Seria in English, offering reflections on the spiritual significance of Lent and the hope that arises from embracing its disciplines. The second talk, Prayer: Unity Through Humility, was presented by Alfie and Phoebe Ang from St John’s Church (SJC) in both English and Malay, emphasizing the power of prayer and the importance of unity in humility.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in various enriching activities, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayer stations, Mass, testimonies, and solemn praise led by the COLA Youth Band. One particularly reflective activity was We do not live by bread alone, which deepened the participants’ understanding of the role of fasting and prayer in their spiritual lives. The “Amazing Games” and Stations of the Cross (Tableau) provided further opportunities for fellowship and reflection.
As the event neared its conclusion, Fr Paul Shie, parish priest of the Church of St John Kuala Belait and head of the Youth Ministry, celebrated the closing Mass. In his homily, he urged the youth to embody faithfulness, selflessness, humility, and compassion in their daily lives. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life, urging the participants to cultivate their spiritual habits as they continue their journey of faith.
Fr Paul concluded the event with heartfelt gratitude, thanking the youth for their active participation in the 30-Hour Vicariate Youth Famine 2025. With a final blessing, he officially announced the breaking of the fast, marking the end of the three-day event and the beginning of a renewed spirit of commitment to faith, humility, and service. – Herald Malaysia
