25th Diocesan Youth Convention Chronicle

Here’s a chronicle about the series of activities done during the 25th Diocesan Youth Convention held in St Therese of Avila Parish in Malalag, Davao del Sur. The event occurred once in every 3 years and after the last one being held in 2015 at St Joseph Parish in Sta Cruz, this one is something special because it is a preparation for the incoming Year of the Youth in 2019.

ARRIVAL

The morning of October 27th in St Therese of Avila Parish is unusually busy. Groups of young men and women came from different parishes throughout the diocese of Digos. They are here to attend the 25th DYC (Diocesan Youth Convention) that is to occur in three days beginning today. The farthest parish in attendance was St Therese of the Child Jesus in Balut Island.

WELCOME

There were about 1,300 participants recorded by the secretariat to attend said event. Seen on the photo is Rev Fr. Anselmo Forteza, DCD talking about “Being Beloved” during the welcome ceremony.

CROSS ENTHRONEMENT

The cross is the symbol of the Convention and as a way of officially opening the event, it was enthroned to the altar by the officers and leaders of the Parish Youth Council of St Therese of Avila Parish of the host town.

OPENING MASS

The bishop of the diocese of Digos, Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, DD came to celebrate the Opening Mass which was also concelebrated by Fr. Dioscoro Malugao and Fr. Sergio Villasenor Salinas from the Missionary of Africa.

FIRST NIGHT/WELCOME

The youngsters were guided back to the municipal gymnasium for the socialization evening. The parishes this time start to showcase their talents onstage from cultural dances to vocal renditions. It was a very friendly atmosphere all over.

TRACKS

SocCom gets 60 participants to join the Social Media track. Three SocCom personalities came to give a talk about Inter Mirifica, Foundation and Ethics of Journalism and Social Media in Today’s Digital Society. An open forum and Sugid moments wrapped up the activity. It’s introducing the FB page Sugid: Diocese of Digos, the same name carrying the inside page of Davao Catholic Herald and the scheduled workshops in their respective parishes by vicariate.

SOLIDARITY NIGHT

The night was greeted by the yells and chants coming from the different parishes present. Everyone enjoyed as the cultural presentations start rolling.

CLOSING CEREMONIES

Rev. Fr. Kristian Peter Edwyn Dorilag, DCD, the diocesan Youth Director, Vocation Director and Rector of St John Paul 2 Seminary announced the official closing of the DYC 2018. He congratulated everyone who have accepted the challenges and the tasks ahead of them. He encouraged them to continue being empowered to serve the causes of the church. While the event was being closed, the launching of next year’s Year of the Youth took place. This time lit a torch that symbolizes the launching of the Year of the Youth.

TURNING OVER

Election of new set of Officers was held and announcement of the new venue for the DYC26 was made. After which, the ceremonial turning over of the same “Cross” enthroned by the outgoing host, the St Therese of Avila Parish of Malalag to the incoming host St John Paul 2 Sub Parish in Santa Cruz took place.