Diocese of Digos on its 25th Diocesan Youth Convention

A good number of young men and women from 29 local churches of the Diocese of Digos gathered together at Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish of Malalag, Davao del Sur on October 26-28, 2018. “The Diocesan Youth Convention will only happen every other year and as recorded in the history of the DYC, this year has the biggest number of delegates for the total number of participants reached more or less 1,300, said Ms. Willybeth Salutillo – Diocesan Youth Coordinator.

This year’s Diocesan Youth Convention theme was patterned to the celebration of the Year of the youth 2019 “Filipino youth in mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered.” Furthermore, this theme was deepened by the keynote speakers.

On the first day, Rev. Fr. Anselmo Forteza the assistant Parish Vicar of the Sto. Nino Parish, Magsaysay, inspired the youth through his talk about BELOVED. He said, “We love because we are beloved and the source of our being beloved is none other than the Blessed trinity who is the communion of love.” After his talk, everybody took a break then the celebration of the Holy Mass followed which was presided by Most. Rev. Guillermo Afable, DD, Bishop of Digos. In his homily, the beloved bishop pointed out the importance of having a Diocesan Convention by recognizing the different tribes present in that gathering, the Manobo, Blaan, and tagakaulo tribes. With that recognition he drew his reflection that “we are one despite our differences because the reason for our being one is Jesus and we are one because Jesus is in me and Jesus is in you.”

More intense inputs were given on the second day. Rev. Fr. Rico Dingal, DCD gave his reflection on the topic GIFTED. In his talk he told the assembly that “everyone is a gift from the Lord and everything comes from the lord. However sometimes, we are so much focused on the gift and we forget the giver.” That is why he reminded them that we must not forget the giver of the gift. Then after his talk a testimony of Mr. Jonifer T. Bangaan, GKK Coordinator of St. Michael Parish of Matanao proceeded. Then a small group sharing followed. Then on the afternoon Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa, DCD delivered his talk about EMPOWERMENT, and summed up his talk by challenging the youth to have Jesus as their empowerment.

Then, after the talks, the youth were divided into 19 groups with corresponding tracks. Some of them had their workshops, GKK visit and feeding program, coastal clean-up, etc. Then they ended the second day with the Socio-Cultural Night where the different vicariates showcased their unique talents.

On the last day of the said convention, the theologian seminarians of the Diocese of Digos shared the life of the saints. St. Therese of the child Jesus as beloved, Our lady of Fatima particularly the three children Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia as gifted and San Pedro Calungsod as Empowered. Then it was followed by the closing mass presided by the Diocesan Youth Director Fr. Peter Edwyn A. Dorilag, DCD. Then they culminated the DYC 2018 by the advance launching of the year of the youth. And they are looking forward for the 26th Diocesan Youth Convention on the year 2020 at St. John Paul 2 Sub-Parish Inawayan Sta. Cruz as the host parish. (Sem. Marvin M. Montebon | Pre-Theology Seminarian)