by Jason Molinas, Archdiocese Commission on the Youth
Over 3,000 young people from the Archdiocese of Manila gathered at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary in Makati City last weekend, November 23 to 24, to conclude the Year of the Youth with a thanksgiving and commissioning event.
INSPIRED BY POPE FRANCIS
The event, entitled “Sent! No Borders. No Limits.” was inspired by Christus Vivit. This is a document - the post-synodal apostolic exhortation - by Pope Francis in response to the Fifteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, on young people, faith and vocational discernment, held in October 2018.
Christus Vivit 177 calls on the youth to spread God’s love to everyone -
177. “Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: he sends us everywhere. The Gospel is for everyone, not just for some. It is not only for those who seem closer to us, more receptive, more welcoming. It is for everyone. Do not be afraid to go and bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away and most indifferent. The Lord seeks all; he wants everyone to feel the warmth of his mercy and his love”. He invites us to be fearless missionaries wherever we are and in whatever company we find ourselves: in our neighbourhoods, in school or sports or social life, in volunteer service or in the workplace. Wherever we are, we always have an opportunity to share the joy of the Gospel. That is how the Lord goes out to meet everyone. He loves you, dear young people, for you are the means by which he can spread his light and hope. He is counting on your courage, your boldness and your enthusiasm.
While Christus Vivit 245 is a call for youth leaders for the church -
245. There is also a special need to accompany young men and women showing leadership potential, so that they can receive training and the necessary qualifications. The young people who met before the Synod called for “programmes for the formation and continued development of young leaders. Some young women feel that there is a lack of leading female role models within the Church and they too wish to give their intellectual and professional gifts to the Church. We also believe that seminarians and religious should have an even greater ability to accompany young leaders”.
SENT, therefore, had the objective of motivating young people to be fearless missionaries everywhere they go - without any borders or limits.
BLOOD RELIC OF ST JOHN PAUL II
The youth had the rare opportunity to venerate for the last time this year the Blood Relic of St John Paul II.
The relic of the saint who championed the youth stayed onstage even as the program started with an opening number of different animation songs, followed by the grand entrance of the Archdiocesan Youth Cross. It was as if St John Paul II was once again with the youth of the Philippines, just as he was at the World Youth Day of 1995.
KA-TALK 72, YFest
Another highlight of the event was Ka-Talk 72 where Rev. Msgr. Bong Lo, LRMS talked about being sent on a mission through the examples of different sharers.
This was followed by Praise and Worship led by The Lord’s Flock, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and YFest – a youth concert by different youth groups in the archdiocese.
While all these were happening, six interactive spaces and seven mission walkways were open to accommodate young people in doing mission works. Among the mission partners present during the event were Dominus Est, Word Riders Philippines, Philippine Mental Health Association and Angat Katutubo.
BISHOP PABILLO
The event was concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Excellency, Most Rev. Broderick Pabillo DD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. He also led the commissioning of these young people, sending them off to do their mission in their own communities.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ACY?
When asked what would happen next with the youth, Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, Commissioner of the Archdiocese Commission on the Youth said that the Year of the Youth will not close but would continue to accompany young people.
We look forward to more activities for the youth in the coming years!!
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