Davao celebrates Year of the Youth

Young people of Davao join in the launching of the Year of the Youth, December 1. (Photo: DAYCA)

2018 marks the 497th year of Christianity here in the Philippines. In line with this, the Archdiocese of Davao launched the Year of the Youth with the theme “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted and Empowered” last December 1, 2018 at Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium.

The launching was opened with a Holy Eucharist. According to Archbishop Romulo Valles during the celebration of the Holy Mass, “Ang kaning Year of the Youth, ika-pito ni siya sa siyam ka-tuig nga pagpangandam alang sa 2021. Murag novena ni siya aron sa 2021 ika-kinyentos nga tuig na (500 years) sukad sa pagkitib sa Kristiyanismo the beginnings of Christianity sa Philippines”. He also emphasized the youth’s importance to the church that they are the present shepherds who could help shape the future. The Archbishop also added that the youth is not forgotten by the church. Year 2019 is dedicated to them of which they should feel that they have a special place in the Church.

Archbishop Romulo Valles also said that the youth are not just the future of the church, but they are also the present – the here and now. In return, the Youth are expected to show that they are gifted; that they are empowered; and that they are beloved by the Church, by serving the Church and become an inspiration to every individual they encounter or they have relationship with in the home, in the community, in the school, in the society, or in the whole world. And most importantly they should always serve the Holy Church in spreading the Good News, the very Word of God.

In an interview, the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) youth leader, Ms. Mary Ann Almeria said that the “Youth has a special place in the church” adding that “the youth today needs people’s attention because they have been facing a lot of problems lately, in school, with their families, and with themselves. That is why it is important to make them feel that they are loved by the Church, so the Year of the Youth is a wonderful blessing to celebrate.”

DAYCA Documentation and Promotions Committee Head, Ms. Gie Rhea Jadulco also added that “Year 2019 is also the year to call the youth for vocation” as she anticipates that more youth will be active in the Church and engage themselves into different activities in their respective parishes. Ms. Mary Ann also said that the “Year of the Youth might be the way of the Youth to get closer to the Church. Enjoying their youth with the Lord, and letting them know that they are joyfully accepted by the Church.”

Facing different dilemmas today, youths are also subjects of different criticisms by the society. Different problems surrounding their capabilities and existence are rampant. According to Fr. Christopher Alcayde, DAYCA Director, one of the challenges they are facing in the youth ministry is “creating particular activities that would help the youth to come back to the church, to really see what problems the youth are facing today, so the church can help them in one way or another”. He also added that “one Bishop said that ‘young people today need to be listened to and not arrogantly lectured’”.

In this year of the youth, the Church wants to flourish and nourish the youth’s spiritual aspect and encourage them to engage in church activities. Fr. Alcayde said, “Personally, I’m expecting for a particular attention and support for the young people from the priests and parents. I also expect the cooperation of young people because no matter what activities we have, if the youth do not participate, then it would still be for nothing. Hopefully, the young people will see the very important role they play in the life of the Church”.

The Church believes that the Youth holds the key of the Nation’s posterity. In their hands reside the possible future that the next generation could have because the youth can either get together with their materials to create a rocket to fly to the moon, build a castle out of all the bricks that they can find, or water the isle of a lost paradise to relive its wonder. There are a lot of things that can be done by the youth in the present, things that can create a huge impact to the future.

That is why the Church celebrates and dedicates the year 2019 to the youth, with the youth, by the youth, and for the youth. (Andrea Jeanne G. Abundo | HCDC Masscom Intern)