Posted On : 28 September, 2026 - Other
DWU Staff Contribute to Madang Archdiocese Youth Program
As part of Divine Word University's commitment to community engagement, staff members Mr. Alfred Ruene , Deputy Director of Student Services and Mrs. Julie Ruene, Vice President of Planning & Development, recently participated as resource speakers in the Madang Archdiocese's 2026 Diocesan Pastoral Team gathering at the Alexishafen Conference Centre, held under the theme "Pastoral Care for Young Adults."
The program brought together more than 500 young adults from across the Archdiocese for a series of formation sessions focusing on faith, leadership, and personal development.
Mrs. Julie Ruene presented a session on Legion and Youth, which explored identity, the role of young people in the Church, and the mission of the Legion of Mary. The presentation introduced participants to the Legion of Mary as a lay apostolic movement founded by Frank Duff in Dublin, Ireland, on 7 September 1921, and outlined its emphasis on prayer, discipline, service, and evangelization. Participants were also given a brief overview of the Legion's governance structure and its historical development, including its early presence in Madang.
The session highlighted the contribution of young people to the Church's mission and reflected on Mary as a model of faith, humility, obedience, courage, and service.
Mr. Alfred Ruene facilitated a second session on Youth and Discipline, which examined the importance of responsibility, commitment, self-discipline, and respectful conduct in daily life and community involvement. The discussion also addressed contemporary challenges facing young people and the role of positive values and responsible decision-making.
The presentations formed part of the Archdiocese's broader pastoral program for young adults and reflected DWU's ongoing engagement with community-based learning and outreach initiatives
