Mati Parish Youth One in Faith

Even the blistering heat of the sun did not dampen the spirits of the thousand young people gathered for the 13th Diocesan youth Convention 2014 organized by the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) at Sigaboy, Davao Oriental last April 30 to may 3, 2014 this year’s theme emanated from the discipleship and evangelization of Jesus Christ’s teachings.

At the Welcome Mass, Bishop Patricio Alo challenged the Catholic young people to serve and sacrifice in the attainment of salvation which is our final aim in this world, and share the Good News

The St. Francis Xavier Parish of Sigaboy / Gov. Generoso, this year’s host, welcomed the other 18 participating parishes in the entire Diocese of Mati. The welcome evening was full of dancing, singing and praising at the Maryknoll School Auditorium.

“Isa ni nga avenue ang convention to gather the youth and reaffirm their faith – Catholic faith”, said 19-year old Mary Christine Arbole from San Isidro, Batobato Parish.

Unlike in the pervious years, this year’s convention also aimed to encourage the youth to respond to the environmental issues being faced today. Dr. Gemma Narisma, from the Manila Observatory, and Dr. Joel Maquilang, from Ateneo de Manila University, were the speakers of the knowledge-sharing workshop on disasters and climate change.

Dr. Narisma gave a lecture on disaster risk management in the context of Typhoon Pablo. It can be recalled that last Dec. 4, 2012, Davao Oriental was disasterously hit by the Supertyphoon Pablo, specifically in the municipalities of Cateel, Boston, Baganga, and Caraga.

On the other hand, Dr. Maquilang gave insights on how to understand erratic climatic conditions and how communities can help to mitigate or adopt to the climate change.

The three-day convention had a festive air, packed with socio-cultural and sports competitions. This year’s champion was the San Salvador Vicariate composed of the Caraga, Manay, San Ignacio, and Tarragona Parishes.

The convention ended with the Parade of beauties from the four vicariates. The beauty from Lupon belonging to the St. Vincent vicariate awed the crowd, thus was hailed as Ms. DYA 2014. The concluding Mass was led by Fr. Ricardo Siblos, Sigaboy parish Priest, accompanied by DYA Diocesan Director, Fr. George Cajes, Jr., after which a sumptuous dinner was shared by everyone, hopefully sparked to go and share the faith.