OLAP Youth Ministers attend PNYD

After the National Youth Day event in Zamboanga last November 5-10, the delegates went back to their respective homes feeling invigorated and filled with learning and reflections that forever left a mark in their hearts and minds. Being in Zamboanga was being in their comfort zone. However, they must respond to God’s call to go out into the peripheries and share the good news of Christ to everyone, especially to the young.

The Our Lady of Assumption Parish (OLAP) youth ministry is one of the youth ministries in the archdiocese that brought the National Youth Day experience to its youth through the Parish National Youth Day (PNYD). Many Pangulo sa Batan-on (PSB) from different Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) graced the event at OLAP parish last Dec 10 in order to prepare them for the upcoming nationwide celebration of National Youth Day (NYD) this December 16.

Parish catechists and youth core group Cheery Mae Fabroa led the opening liturgy and getting to know activity, while youth coordinator John Anthony Camangyan did the welcoming remarks and orientation. The participants were briefly informed about the background of NYD by one of the parish delegates, Danielle Alexa Paeste. The first session followed thereafter.

One of Davao delegates of the World Youth Day (WYD) 2013 in Brazil, former youth coordinator and now lay animator Imeelyn Krystle Cordero was the speaker for the first session focusing on Pope Francis’ message to the youth. Mary Grace Bolanio, former parish catechist and now a formator, led the second session about the story of Mary.

A youth gathering is not a gathering without animation. Every now and then, the participants were treated with an ice breaker led by PSB coordinator Brian John Sasi.

When asked about what he felt after joining PNYD, Jumarie Jan Ranez, PSB of OMPH-Jacinto BEC said, “As I experienced the PNYD, I felt glad and blessed because of this activity. I learned new things particularly the message of our Pope Francis, on how they will prepare for the upcoming WYD since the theme is in line with Mary. For the participants, I think we know each other naman so I’m very comfortable to share with them. Lastly, it was well organized and it is truly a preparation for the upcoming NYD.”

Core group Arlene Morales ended the activity by providing the synthesis. Of course, the activity would not be possible without the helping hands of core group members Queen Ann Rocacorba, Rodel Mabale, Dessa Mabale, Dulce Rosales and Hazel Licong and with the guidance and support of parish formation committee head, Rhiza Mutya.

The ‘jovenes’ (in english ‘youth’) of today are indeed very blessed. They are one of the church’s great treasures. May we all be inspired by Mary’s fearless YES to the Lord and proclaim joyfully that “The Mighty One has done great things for me and Holy is His name!” (Lk 1:49) (Danielle Alexa Paeste | OLAP Youth SoCCom)