by FFWPU DR Congo
From September 18 to 20, 2026, the Manenga Holy Ground hosted a gathering of 54 young academics and young couples from the 2025–2026 edition. Organized under the directive of Continental Director Reverend Jean KADIMA, this stay aimed to strengthen the spiritual education of the youth, encourage them to better understand their responsibility, and develop their capacity to fulfill their role in the Providence. The program combined several dimensions, including spiritual training, prayer, Jeongseong, study of the Divine Principle, moments of fraternal fellowship, and communion with nature.
During their stay, participants took part in several morning Hoon Dok Hae sessions based on True Mother’s autobiography. These moments were followed by commentaries and discussions, allowing the young people to reflect on various attitudes to cultivate in their journey, particularly responsibility, perseverance, and how to face hardships. These reading and sharing sessions thus served as important opportunities for reflection and learning for the participants.
The program also placed significant emphasis on studying the Divine Principle. Several learning sessions were organized during which the youth had the opportunity to present various topics. These exercises allowed them not only to deepen their knowledge of the Divine Principle but also to develop their ability to convey and share their understanding with others. This approach fostered active participation among the youth and their engagement in the training process.
Furthermore, the stay was marked by several moments of Jeongseong at the Youth Holy Ground, alongside personal and collective prayers. These times of devotion enabled participants to dedicate more time to their spiritual life and strengthen their determination. Communion with nature also formed an important aspect of the retreat through visits to various sites across the property, providing moments for the youth to recharge in an environment conducive to reflection and fellowship.
Beyond the educational and devotional activities, several social moments helped build group cohesion. Shared family-style meals offered participants additional opportunities for fellowship and brotherhood. A bonfire night also allowed the youth to spend time together in a warm atmosphere, encouraging open conversation and strengthening bonds among participants.
The retreat concluded on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with a final moment of Jeongseong, followed by a collective prayer and four shouts of Eok Mansei. This final phase allowed participants to end their stay in a spirit of gratitude and determination before returning home.
In total, this gathering brought together 54 young academics and young couples from the 2025–2026 edition. Through the various activities offered, participants benefited from a program combining training, devotion, learning, fraternal fellowship, and communion with nature.
Overall, the stay at the Manenga Holy Ground constituted an important time of spiritual growth and renewal for the young participants. The various activities allowed them to deepen their spiritual life, reflect more deeply on their responsibilities, strengthen their knowledge of the Divine Principle, and develop their ability to share what they have learned. The moments of Jeongseong, prayers, fraternal sharing, and communion with nature also contributed to strengthening group cohesion and renewing the determination of the youth to pursue their journey with greater responsibility and perseverance.
