“Stop, connect, live, and rediscover”

The young people from St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish.

“To stop for a few minutes at the end of each day to remember the good times and challenges, the things that went well and those that went wrong; To connect with the historical tradition and the prayer of those who have gone before us (to be familiar with the Bible); To live “eucharistically”, to learn how to give thanks and praise, and not to fixate on our problems and difficulties alone; To rediscover our roots and take up the torch from those who have gone before, to know and appreciate the past (to look to the elderly).” Those where the 4 points that Pope Francis wanted to remind the 65 youth from St. Mary’s coming from different zones as they read and reflected his letter to the young.

The St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish Youth Ministry conducted the Parish National Youth Day Serye 2017 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary last December 10, 2017. It was meaningfully started by a simple reflection of their names which signifies that they were called individually. In addition, Our Story with Mama Mary and a living Rosary were highlighted in the event so as to give significance to our Mother, Mama Mary.

National Youth Day delegates, Ella Lucas and Khrixtine Bedolido, were representatives from the mentioned parish also took the chance to share their heartwarming and moving experience in the recent National Youth Day last November last November 6-10 in Zamboanga City.

“The chance to tour around the tourist spots of Zamboanga is fun-filled but I considered it as a bonus points since the beginning of the preparation, I have already disposed myself to be guided on the theme “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name (Lk 1:37) and truly I felt so blessed,” said Ella Lucas. There were 6 representatives from the Parish whom Rev. Fr. Jesus H. Samaniego, parish priest, chose and unceasingly supported the NYD.

In the end, Bro. Donnie Emuy, a seminarian on exposure, who joined and helped the facilitators, emphasized that young people may be seen as vulnerable for others but they must remember that they are given so much attention and support of the Catholic Church and that Pope Francis’ letter shows how he cares so much for the young. (Jonalen Asares | SMPR Youth Coordinator)