Mati Youth Celebrates 2nd Diocesan Fiesta

The Diocesan Youth Apostolate of Mati (DYA-Mati) came together by vicariate to celebrate the 2nd Diocesan Fiesta of San Pedro Calungsod, the patron saint of the youth, on Saturday, April 6.

Vicariates from St. James the Apostle, San Salvador del Mundo, San Nicolas de Tolentino and St. Vincent Ferrer simultaneously staged a joyful celebration that culminated the few weeks of preparation from short programs to the liturgical and spiritual side of the celebration.

Part of the series of events in the 2nd Diocesan Fiesta celebration were the ‘Panaw-Duaw’ and the Novena Mass with the image of St. Pedro Calungsod being transferred from one community to the other, which started on March 22–25 and resumed April 1–5, 2024, in respect to the Holy Week.

“Our fiesta is not only a celebration of the sainthood of San Pedro Calungsod; it is also our way of making ourselves holy. Sainthood may be impossible for us, but don’t worry; San Pedro Calungsod in his time felt the same with us,” Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Donie Emuy said.

” All we have to do is keep our dreams alive and continue our journey towards holiness. When we keep trying, possibilities never become impossible,” he added.

He also mentioned preparations by the DYA of Mati for the upcoming DaDiTaMa Youth Convention that will take place on June 7-9, 2024 which will be hosted by the Diocese of Tagum.

Renowned for his missionary work at age 17, San Pedro Calungsod was martyred for his faith and is now venerated as the patron saint of the youth in the Diocese of Mati. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey – DYA Mati)