Reflection on the MSPC Youth Congress

“Open the door of the cage, go out and fly.” The theme of the MSPC Youth Congress still resides in my mind a few days after the event ended. What does it mean to be in a cage, as a youth minister in the church today? A cage could mean many things, the concerns of mental health, vices and abuses, identity crises, pornography, and profanity are only some of the things that continue to lock and cage the youth of today.

Aside from bringing all of these to light, the leaders of the plenary talks and the priests included in their homilies the ways, or “doors” in which the youth can use to be free of these cages. These include affirming the youth of their strengths, maintaining constant communication, listening intently to the concerns of others and a lot more.

Finally, leaving the cage is not enough for a youth minister. He or she must go out and fly in order to serve God, despite the different challenges that will inevitably appear. Truly, the event was an eye-opener for all that attended and will be a constant inspiration and motivation to bring this to their respective dioceses. (Kim R. Amparo)