The Amalgamation of Faith Resumes

After a long hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 14th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) Youth Directors’ and Youth Coordinators’ Forum finally resumed bringing together the Catholic faithful for a momentous occasion. With the theme “Ask Jesus to Renew You! With Him, Hope Never Fails,” the forum aimed to rekindle the solidarity and faith of the Mindanao region and was participated by bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay youth ministers.

The MSPC Youth Ministry plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and strong cooperation among the youth formation and other youth-related programs in Mindanao, all while adhering to the Holy Father’s call to live out the synodal spirit. As the Regional Youth Coordinating Council of the Youth apostolates of the 21 Ecclesiastical territories in Mindanao, the MSPC Youth Ministry upholds the mission of accompanying the young people in their faith journey.

The three-day event started on February 16, 2023, with a flurry of activities that set the tone for the rest of the conference. The day began with registration and billeting, followed by a brief introduction by the MSPC Youth Coordinator, Mr. Mark Saavedra, introducing as well the “GPS or Giya sa Pagtimbang-timbang sa Serbisyo sa Ministeryo sa Kabatan-onan” which is a benchmarking tool accomplished by every diocese to assess their respective youth ministry situation and status. A solemn Holy Mass at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, presided by Most Rev. Moises M. Cuevas, D.D., the MSPC Youth Bishop In-Charge ended the afternoon activity. The Welcome Night was equally festive as Rev. Fr. Donie M. Emuy – Youth Director of Mati opened the event. The delegates had so much fun with the games, prizes and surprises prepared by the host diocese together with the various presentations showcasing the rich culture of Davao Oriental. The final blessing was given by Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D., the Bishop of Mati, ending the first day of the forum with a resounding success.

The second day was no less eventful which started with a Holy Mass presided by Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D.. It was then followed by the Youth Bishop In-Charge’s Hour with a sharing on some reflection questions after the talk. The participants were encouraged to ask Jesus to renew them and to remember that with Him, hope never fails. In the evening, the Solidarity Night began, and each Sub-region – CABUSTAM, KIDMACO, DOPIM, ZAMBASULI and DADITAMA – presented their unique and entertaining talents. Rev. Fr. Dionilo Andog, the MSPC Youth Director, delivered an inspiring message, and there was a delightful exchange of bonds of friendship, community singing, and dancing.

The last day of the forum was packed with the Send-off Mass at the Carmelite Monastery, breakfast hosted by the Carmelite Sisters, local tour with Amazing race challenge, lunch by the beach at Dahican, and a free time for the participants before they headed home. All these programs were designed to facilitate the MSPC participants in their spiritual growth and provide them with life-changing lessons and noteworthy experiences that they would treasure forever.

Truly, the Diocese of Mati put forth an immense effort in making this event successful, from preparing the accommodation, decorations, programs, and setting places for the forum to preparing meals for the guests. It was a true testament to the dedication of the organizers to ensure that the MSPC YD & YC Forum will be a success through the support of Bishop Abel C. Apigo and the headship of Rev. Fr. Donie M. Emuy and Ms. Juvy G. Contorno as the leaders of the youth ministry in the Diocese of Mati.

The theme “Ask Jesus to Renew You! With Him, Hope Never Fails” will forever be etched in the hearts of the participants. Indeed, it was a celebration of faith that brought together the youth of Mindanao and Sulu in a renewed spirit of solidarity and hope. The message will reverberate across the region, reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and faith to guide us as we propel together as one synodal community. (Kejie R. Oppos | DYA-GKK Sto. Niño – Divine Mercy Parish, Mati | Photos by MSPC Youth Official)