By IAYSP Dominican Republic
With the participation of 60 guests and 12 staff members, the traditional four-day Divine Principle Seminar was organized by the IAYSP of the Dominican Republic ON March 28~31, 2024, in Monseñor Noel. Piedra Blanca. The seminar was led by Mr. Hope Gómez Yamaguchi, President of the Celestial Caribbean IASP, and leaders of the youth of the 2nd Generation of the Dominican Republic.
Under the theme “Youth seeking God’s ideal for a culture of peace,” the seminar took place in an atmosphere of great harmony and spiritual solemnity. It began with welcoming words from the President of the Sacred Community in the Celestial Caribbean, Rev. Leonidas Belliard, who motivated the youth to pay attention to the Divine Principle lectures, stating that they contained the essence of eternal life.
Next, the national leader of the Family Federation, Mr. Bernardo Cruz, delivered motivational words, asking the youth to collaborate in creating a family environment under God. This was followed by motivational speeches from Mr. Hope Gómez, then the General Coordinator of the seminar, Pastor Williams Caro, who explained all the rules and policies of the seminar. The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Leandro Alvarez, began with sacred and Christian songs. Throughout the four days, all Divine Principle lectures were delivered by national leader Bernardo Cruz and Mr. César Regalado, General Secretary of UPF and in charge of education for the Family Federation of the Dominican Republic.
During the seminar, an atmosphere of praise to the Heavenly Parent was created, emphasizing the importance of finding the True Parents. Entertainment activities such as games, competitions, karaoke, and bonfires were provided, and as a form of devotion, the youth challenged their limitations by climbing the mountain amid heavy rain. At the mountaintop, they prayed, sang praise songs, and received internal guidance from the youth of the 2nd generation, Shinhyo Belliard Okasaki.
In the closing ceremony, the national leader expressed gratitude and urged the youth to become members of the Sacred Community. Mr. César Regalado, in his closing remarks, invited the youth to deeply study the Divine Principles. At the end of the seminar, the eldest brother and first member of the Holy Community of the Dominican Republic encouraged everyone to practice the Divine Principle, especially the principle of living for the sake of others, stating that this is living for God.
