By Albert C. Danan
The recently held World Youth Day provided the delightful celebration among the youth around the globe as they converged in Madrid, Spain. The spirit was enliven locally with the vigil which was organized by the Ateneo de Manila University, in cooperation with the Campus Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Jesuit Communications Foundations, Inc., Tanging Yaman Foundation, and the Episcopal Commission on Youth Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Dubbed as “WYD 2011 from Madrid to Manila”, the vigil aimed at inspiring the youth and encouraging them to live by the teachings of Jesus.
Graced by selected SSC-R students, particularly the campus peer ministers, the event was merited with the following remarks:
“In this present era of technology, the young people are super linked to gadgets and to the internet that serve as hindrance to their relationship with the Lord. With these things, it make
s the religion insignificant to their lives and causes certain “Amnesia” in their faith to God.”
- Jessica Kristel Claro
“The celebration was really good, everybody enjoyed the said event. It was a great experience for me. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales is one of the main speakers of the event. I hope there
will be another experience like this. Good job to all the people who are part of the World Youth Day Celebration.”
- Regine Mosqueda
“The event is about a great festival of faith, youth fest, catechisms of faith and passing the previous generation to youth. The speakers are very special persons and there are two TV pe rsonalities who attended and spoke at the stage, those were Chris Tiu and Jimmy Bondoc. They were in the event because they also wanted to inspire the youth and tell something about the World Youth Day. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict also gave a message of hope to the youth of the world. But there was more inspirational part for me in the event. It was the procession of the Cross held on the stage. I was deeply touched that felt I was really blessed. “
- Arian Amor Aquino
“The World Youth Day made us all united as one because the St. Paul University students assured that before the program starts we are energized in the songs they played. They made us all sing and dance even though it’s raining. It did not stop us from praising. Our theme song was “Chosen Generation”. The program also uplifted our faith because of their inspirational teachings and thoughts and made us all close to each other even though we came as different delegates who are all sons and daughters of Christ.”
- Mary Ann Catalan
“We all stood united and never left because of the will to continue the event no matter what happens. We all danced and sang ignoring the rain. The vigil’s first impression to me was happy and energetic. At midnight, faith really made a real meaning. The Faith is strong, but the body is weak. Then I compared the talk of Father Gaudencio Rosales and the sharing of Chris Tiu. I came to a realization that people of my age really admire TV personalities instead of the talk of the Priest. Participants came rushing in front of the stage upon hearing the name of Chris Tiu. The impromptu speech of Chris Tiu made me realized that everyone has experiences of their own. The speakers really inspired me. Father Gaudencio taught me how to be firm in the Faith by casting any doubt from God. With God everything is possible.”
- Jerick Angel Ramos
“If Jose Rizal believes that the youth of today are the hope of the fatherland. World Youth Day, for me, was established by the Blessed Pope John Paul II because he believes that the peers of today are the ministers of tomorrow. They are expected to be full of enthusiasm bringing the Word of God to the next generation. With the advances of technology that the world has today, the youth are the perfect messenger through the use of the abused stuffs today.
Through the World Youth Day 2011: From Madrid to Manila, the youth that were not capable of going to the exact venue of the event, can still be gathered and join the activity. For me, as firs
t timer, the presence of other youth volunteers from different schools inspired me. There is a sudden feeling that tickles me and a voice whispering “You are not alone in your ministry, you have them with you!” I immediately realized that I am not the only “corny” in here. And what I am doing is not “corny” at all.”
- Marie Rose Esplanada
“ I’m so very excited when I saw the other delegates from other school, I’m so proud to be part of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos participants. I saw that all were dancing in praise, all the joy and happiness of the youth are there, you can see all the smiles of every faces of the youth in there, so we joined them and dance with our hearts and body because this is one way to praise the Lord. While it’s raining we keep on dancing and dancing with smiles in the faces of everyone.
Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales sai
d we young Filipino should not take out own brothers and sisters at risk by approving the RH Bill, he also included a preview of the WYD theme: “Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” – St. Paul. Which we Filipino youths should do! We are planted since the beginning and rooted in Christ; all we need to do is to make it firm and alive.”
- Jordi Fabricante
“And I’m so proud that I am a part of this event. Yeah, there’s so much comment on this, but the most thing that affect me is that “WE are the youth that will lead others to be with God”. A simple thought, but meaningful words for the people of God. Especially for the youth that believes in HIM.”
- Merry Jane Bueno
“Honestly, it was my first time to attend in such a big event led by the different people in the country who have a strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. So, I have no idea what will happen on my overnight stay and I also have a strange feeling that I would not be happy participating with the other youth but when I saw the dancers of St. Paul performing under the rain, I felt so inspired, their facial expression while dancing was very accommodating. I and my fellow peers joined them and we sta
rted dancing as if there’s no rain flowing from our skin and that’s the reason why our Blessed Pope John Paul II wants to gather us. He wanted us to be united as one family and praising our Lord Jesus Christ together with no doubts in our hearts. In my lovely experience, I would like to encourage every youth that the unity and strong faith to our Lord Jesus Christ is a precursor to a brighter and blessed future.”
- Mary Cris Beringuela
The participants undoubtedly enjoyed the overnight event and took with them learnings they will cherish for the rest of their lives. But more than meeting new friends, Jessica Kristel Claro shared her questions:
“I want to leave these challenging questions and I hope they will be answered by “Yes”: is the faith of the youth still noted in Christ? Are the youth still willing to lend a hands to the church to build a good and strong community? Will the faith of the young people remain firm despite the present social, political, technological and natural challenges?”
