Filipino youth at WYD in Rio, "hope" of the Church and society
Manila (AsiaNews) - The new generation "are the hope of the Church and society" and it is "our duty" to educate them to become "good and devoted elements " within society as a whole. This is the message delivered by leaders of the Diocese of Pasig - a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Manila, in the Philippines - to the participants at the 28th World Youth Day (WYD), scheduled for July 23 to 28 next to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On Sunday, June 30 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Pasig Mass was celebrated mandating the diocesan delegates, who will meet Pope Francis and young people from around the world in the metropolis of Rio. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara emphasized the importance of "being a missionary for others."
During
the Mass, the bishop reminded participants of the importance of their mission
and the special experience they will have. Msgr. Vergara
added that it is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity and the meeting with
the Pope must be lived in communion "with whole world." "Not
everyone has the opportunity to see the Pope in person - he continues - and ...
that's why your presence is not only a personal experience. You represent the
nation. All of us will be there with you."
In his homily Fr. Joeffrey
Brian Catuiran, diocesan youth ministry director, spoke of the importance of
young people in the missionary task promoted by the Church, under the motto
"go and make disciples of all nations." "Young
people are the hope of the Church and of society - said the priest - and we
need to help them become [as Pope emeritus Benedict XVI pointed out] good and
devout members of the community."
Fr. Catuiran
echoed the words of Pope Francis inviting the young people "not to be ashamed
to carry the Cross" and to prepare for this special World Youth Day event at
"a spiritual level". So
that it may be "a sign of faith for the entire world. Welcoming the love
of Christ, who embraces us" just like the Redeemer statue that overlooks
the city of Rio.
More
than 300 young Filipinos will participate in the WYD in Brazil. Accompanying
them will be the President of the Philippine Bishops Conference and Archbishop
of Cebu Jose
Palma, along with four other bishops and numerous priests. The
number of young Filipinos, however, could be much higher, because many schools,
institutes, autonomous communities are organizing delegations that will be
present in Rio for the days of celebration and prayer. The
"official" Episcopal Conference delegation leaves for Brazil between July
13 and 15, in time to celebrate the missionary days 17-21. They
will be hosted by the Diocese of Petropolis, about 70 km from Rio de Janeiro
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