Group photo with Father Tahiri just after the Ash Wednesday Mass which we had the Privilege of Leading.
From February 18th to 21st, 2026, the Mennaisian Family Youth Movement (MJFM)) organized a Youth Camp at the Sainte-Thérèse Parish in Vairao, which gathered 44 Middle School Students coming to live a few Days of Fraternal Life, Games and Prayer.
Inspired by the Spirituality of Jean-Marie de La Mennais, that Stay aimed to help Young People grow of Heart, Body and Mind“, in an Atmosphere of Trust and Joy. This year’s Theme, “Avatar: The Last Alliance” served as a Guiding Principle for the Activities.
In the Avatar Universe, the Na’vi used the Expression “Oel ngati kameie» – «I see you”. That phrase meant much more than a Simple Look: it means I recognize who you are, I respect you, I welcome you as you are. That Idea deeply resonates with the Values we seek to instill in Young People: Learning to see Others with the Heart, recognizing their Dignity, and building Relationships based on Respect and Fraternity.
In a way, it is also the Gospel that invites us to see others as Brothers and Sisters. Throughout the Camp, the Young People participated in Numerous Activities: Large Team Games, a Sea Trip, Sports Challenges, Art Workshops, and an Introduction to Archery.
Those Fun Moments helped develop Team Spirit, Mutual Support and Responsibility, while creating strong Memories between Participants.
The Spiritual Dimension occupied a Central Place The Young People had the Joy of Leading the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Parish of Saint Thérèse in Vairao, marking the Beginning of Lent. An Evening of Eucharistic Adoration was also offered, inviting everyone to lay their Joys and Struggles before the Lord.
Personal and shared Time: a Moment in the Day when we reflected on the Day, on Our Lives, to see the Footsteps of God.
An Evening Show shared with the Parishioners of Sainte Thérèse, a Moment of Joy, and a Moment also to Thank them for their Kindness and Welcome.
Thanks to the Warm welcome from the Parish, and the Trust of Father Tahiri TIAOAO (Father of the Congregation of Picpus) and to the Accompaniment of Katekita Hinano. That Camp was much more than just a Stay. It allowed the Young People to Discover that the Church could be a Place of Joy, Fraternity and Encounter with Christ.
News compiled by Brother Xavier FROGIER – Papeete