Manchester, NH

(from Newsnotes Vol. 20-No.45 November 9, 2006)

Young and faithful recognized by the church.

UNION LEADER.COM By RILEY YATES_Union Leader Staff Monday, Oct. 30, 2006 MANCHESTER

– Seven years ago, Moses Wani was a refugee from war-torn Sudan, where many of his family had been killed. When he came to Manchester, he was aggressive and acted out physically, grabbing for the things he wanted and refusing to listen to female teachers. Now, Wani is 18 and a senior at Central High School. He keeps score for sixthgrade Catholic youth basketball. He is an usher every Sunday at St. Anne-St. Augustin Church.

He is active in youth groups and collects food for the poor. He's even considering becoming a priest. "He's gone from being an example of not doing well to an example of doing really well," said Brother Paul Crawford, the church's outreach coordinator. "I've just been helping out," Wani said. "Everything they want." Wani was one of 30 honored yesterday by the Diocese of Manchester during an awards ceremony for World Youth Day. The Mass, held at St. Joseph Cathedral, drew 400 from across the state — from Groveton in the north to Keene and Hampton. Fifteen high school juniors and seniors were given awards for their commitment to the church. Another 15 adults were feted for their service in youth ministries.

Moses Wani of St. Anne-St. Augustin Parish in Manchester joins hands with fellow church member William Fettig, behind, and his wife, Kate, during prayer at the World Youth Day at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester yesterday. (MARK BOLTON)

"You have done great things, and you will continue to do great things," said the Rev. Robert Guillemette of St. Patrick Parish in Pelham. The celebration was the first Youth Day event the state diocese has held in four or five years, said Mary Jane Silvia, director for youth ministry. It was a chance to thank those who have given to the church, she said. Karissa White of St. Lawrence Parish in Goffstown, center, was one of several people awarded the St. Timothy Award during the World Youth Day at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester yesterday. (MARK BOLTON) "This is absolutely just to recognize these people," Silvia said. "This is really a recognition day."

Richie Manzi and Jordan Daigneault, both 15, came all the way from Plymouth to offer a rooting section for Manzi's mother Kathleen, who has taught Catholic youth classes for many years. "My mom's getting an award," said Manzi, who attends Plymouth Regional High School.

"That's why I'm here." John-Paul Gagnon, 20, attended to see his father, Yvon Gagnon of the Parish of Transfiguration in Manchester, be honored. Gagnon, who was sent to yearly youth conferences as a kid, said the events are good for pulling Catholics together. "It helps with faith, enforcing your beliefs," Gagnon said. For Wani, it was joining a St. Anne's basketball team that he credited as the beginning of his drive.

"He wasn't the best at basketball, but he played with heart," said Crawford, who first met him in 1999 at a practice at Hillside. "It helped him learn discipline and how to get along with others." Added his coach and former English teacher, Pat O'Neil: "And to think he was the naughtiest boy in my seventh-grade class."