Spiritual–Cultural Meeting for High School Students

The Central Christian Education Committee organized a cultural gathering that brought together high school students with the teaching staff at the Apostles Center. The event, held on Friday, May 1, was attended by around 60 students and took place in an educational atmosphere filled with dialogue and reflection.

The meeting addressed the theme “The Secret of True Friendship,” presented by Sister Mariam Shabo of the Chaldean Daughters of Mary Congregation. She opened meaningful discussions around essential questions such as: Does a friend build me up or distract me? And how can we distinguish between genuine friendship and superficial or false ones, especially in an age of rapid communication where fleeting relationships are widespread?

The session emphasized the importance of choosing friends who provide a sense of security and inner peace, and who allow a person to be authentic, simple, and sincere. It was also highlighted that Jesus is the ultimate friend, offering unconditional love and embodying the perfect model of true friendship based on self-giving and generosity.

The meeting was enriched by reflecting on living examples from the Holy Bible that shed light on the depth and faithfulness of true friendship throughout the history of salvation.

At the end of the gathering, participants were divided into working groups where they exchanged ideas and drew practical insights on how to build strong friendships rooted in Gospel values, following the example of Jesus, the faithful friend.

The activity concluded with the recitation of the Rosary and honoring Our Mother Mary by lighting candles, expressing faith in her maternal role in guiding us toward the right path.

The meeting carried a profound message: true friendship is a call to grow in love and truth, and a journey that always leads us toward God.