Gradually, the training of the Catholic Youth Animators has attained half of its completion time. The gathering from Friday 26 July was the third of total six appearances for participants from Osogbo, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin and Lagos (dioceses and Archdioceses). 

Just like yesterday, the programme started since May while the second phase took place in June. The July appearance makes the second time the chief organizer, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola will be visiting the candidates since the commencement of the training.

The Bishop appreciated all participants for dedicating their time to the programme ever since it started. From the look of things, the programme is among the lists of priorities of the Bishop.

This reflected in his reaction, looking around and noticing that some of his Priests mandated to attend the programme were absent at the third phase.

Though the second day of third phase training which was Saturday coincided with the silver jubilee anniversary of some Priests in Osogbo diocese.

The Bishop iterated that the essence of the training is to know what to expect and how to respond and cultivate the youths when on the field.

According to him, the youths are not to be driven away even if they seems not listening hence it is not optional but rather compulsory. 

While he summoned immediate attention of the absentees, he encouraged all participants to take the programme seriously.

Topics at the training were the 3rd modules of the courses. The Salesian Priest of Don Bosco, Fr Felix Olamide and his counterpart, Mr Anthony Ogunsusi from Ondo Diocese; through several animations; on "Accompaniment and Vocational discernment of Young People" stressed how important it is to understand the act of accompaniment.

According to him, societal pressure, fear of failure, lack of self-awareness, information overload, isolation and others are challenges faced by young ones in having clarity of their vocation.

He proffered self-awareness, prayer, community counselling and others as solution to overcoming challenges of vocational discernment. 

Fr. Peter Akinola on ''Moral Theology'' stressed the importance of cardinal virtues in the life of Christians as it affect youth apostolate. He realized that responsibility is what makes up human and that one seizes to be a human the moment irresponsibility sets in.

He categorized virtues into both theological and moral where faith hope and love; modesty and humility are among its sub-divisions. Fr. Michael Olawuni on ''Boundary" defined boundary as anything that helps differentiate a person from another.

According to him, boundary can be in form of mental, emotional and spiritual. In his opinion, one can set boundary and still be loving because the concept of boundary has its derivation from the nature of God. 

Dr Jumoke Omole from Obafemi Awolowo University, on ''Psychology'' focused on positive psychology which describes the study and positive aspect of human life. She realized that youths of this days are not resilient hence making use of scientific approaches in dealing with them is more effective.

She further educated that critical thinking gives the power to navigate through the complex life which boosts academic success, decision making, career readiness amongst others. 

Fr Ambrose Olasinde on "Sacraments" explored deeper into the sacramental system of the Church while expanding the Sacrament of Initiation, Sacrament of Healing and the Sacrament of Service.

He reaffirmed that the essence is for members of the Church to be like Christ who is the physical representation of God on earth. 

Fr Joseph Abe, on Child Abuse educated that abuse is any bad, cruel, violent and unfair treatment of anyone. As it relates to a Child, he noted that; lack of care, love, empathy also constitute abuse on a child.

He enlisted Physical, Domestic, Emotional among others as types of abuses. He emphasized on discipline of animators while dealing with the young ones, noting that while sexual abuse is more common from the male to the female, the reversed case also existed. 

The Diocesan Chaplain, Fr Lawrence Olaniyan however appreciated all participants and urged them to put into action knowledge received.