Journeying our Faith with the Cross and Mary: Young Faithfuls Culminate Year of the Youth with a Camp

The power of the Cross empowers the youth!

The whole year journey of the Year of the Youth ended on the occasion of Malita parish’s culmination activity last December 7–8, 2019 at Holy Cross of Malita, Inc. An estimated 500 young faithful all over the parish came together to celebrate the presence of the beloved, gifted, and empowered youth to the community.

The celebration of the Year of the Youth (2018-2019) highlighted the pilgrimage of the Parish Youth Cross and the image of Birhen sa Barangay across four (4) district Catholic communities and public schools which was spearheaded by the Parish Youth Coordinating Council (PYCC) and youth organizations of the said parish. This was kicked off during the Summer Youth Festival held on May 5, 2019 with the same people gathered for the annual meet.

The culmination activity commenced with a Votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 1st Saturday of December during the Advent season. This was presided by Rev. Fr. Richard O. Laquinon, DCD, PYCC spiritual director, who stressed the role of Mary as our constant companion since the beginning of our journey as Christians.

A meaningful and memorable “Pilgrim Walk” then followed where participants, who carried their backpacks like pilgrims, experienced walking 2-3 kilometers from the opening mass site to the church. Along the way, the Via Lucis or Way of Light was said with 14 stop-overs which reflects the mysteries of Jesus’ glorious resurrection. Upon the arrival at the church, the pilgrims united their prayers for the intention of Pope Francis and of the whole world.

After sharing a talk about the young people’s mission in today’s generation, Fr. Richard then challenged them to ponder on theme, “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved. Gifted. Empowered,” and asked them to reflect on the next steps they will take after the pilgrimages that had happened within the year. As a response, they were able to write their respective missions on a paper and were asked to keep it in an accessible place which would help them to be constantly reminded of their promises.

Right after the talk, all of the participants were divided into 4 big groups for the catechetical sites which they will all visit. These are (1) Eucharistic Adoration, (2) Marian Devotion, (3) Taize and Veneration of the Cross, and (4) Youth for Christ. The youth were filled with joy and felt like being renewed with the Spirit as they encountered life-changing talks and moments with the Lord.

The Jesus And Mary (JAM) Night added to the vibrance and festivity of the evening as youths from each zones and organizations displayed their gifts, talents, and abilities during the social presentations and dance animations. Games were also played by the participants which kept them stay active and alive even up to 4:00 am.

The culmination mass held at 5:00 in the morning formally closed the gathering with Fr. Richard as the mass presider. A symbolic hand marking on the participants’ shirts was then made as a symbol of their commitment to pray for one another and continue their mission as young evangelizers.

The whole journey of the youth with Christ’s Cross and Mary felt like an experience of a renewal of spirits for the participants. Their experiences were a reminder, not just for the youth but for all faithfuls, of the significant and contributive role that the youth play in spreading the Good News; given that they are bearers of faith, hope, and love for the next generations to come. Even though the Year of the Youth had already concluded, the mission of the beloved, gifted, and empowered young people still continues. (MAS Malita SoCCom)