JOHN PAUL II’s youth gather to pray, learn, and have fun

LOS AMIGOS — Part of the preparation for the upcoming parochial fiesta, the St. John Paul II Parish Youth Apostolate, under the guidance of the parish priest, Fr. Russell A. Bantiles, held a Parish Youth Day encounter with the theme “Your future starts today, not tomorrow” last September 3, 2022, at the Parish grounds.

The event commenced with a Holy Mass at 6:00 AM presided by Fr. Eddie Boy Fuentes, AJC, which was attended by all youth leaders and members from the different GKKs.

Despite his absence for health reasons, the parish priest sent a message to all youth. In his message, read by a parish leader, Fr. Bantiles said “Ang inyong panagtapok bisan usa ka adlaw lang nahimong meaningful tungod kay nagpakita man kini sa inyong excitement sa pag-abot sa Octubre 22. Ug ang na excite, na in love!!!”

He also urged the young people to be responsible and that despite not being able to join with them physically, he accompanies them in prayer.

The whole day celebration was filled with fun and exciting activities, including the animation, cheers and yells competition, Bible quiz, team building, amazing race, and the search for an ambassador and ambassadress of youth stewardship.

It may be recalled that wherever Pope John Paul II would visit, he would gather the young people around him to reflect, to learn the doctrines, to bond and to have fun.

The SJPII parish youth just got similar experiences in preparation for the fiesta come October 22. Over 150 young people from 34 GKKs went home bringing the fun and memories they kept in their hearts. (Argie Lico – SocCom)