Journey with Haste in Communion Like Mary

In a powerful and inspiring ceremony, Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD, Bishop of Mati, along with several priests from the Diocese of Mati, led the opening Mass for the eagerly awaited 16th Diocesan Youth Convention. The convention, which carried the theme: “Journeying with Haste like Mary in Communion, Participation and Mission,” aimed to guide and inspire young people to embrace their faith and actively participate in their spiritual journey.

The filled church of the Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Banganga Davao Oriental witnessed an outpouring of devotion and enthusiasm from the youth of the Diocese of Mati. Bishop Apigo’s homily centered on the importance of following the example of the Virgin Mary in their personal journeys of faith. He urged the young attendees to embrace Mary’s sense of urgency and willingness to respond to God’s call with enthusiasm and wholeheartedness.

Highlighting the theme of the convention, Bishop Apigo emphasized the significance of journeying together as a community, supporting and uplifting one another along the way. He encouraged the youth to forge strong bonds of communion, just as Mary did with her cousin Elizabeth during the Visitation. The bishop emphasized that this communion should extend beyond the convention, shaping their lives and relationships as they return to their homes, schools, and parishes.

The Diocesan Youth Convention, held biennially, serves as a platform for young Catholics to deepen their faith, engage in meaningful discussions, and build lasting connections with fellow youth from the diocese. Throughout the convention, participants attended various workshops, engaged in prayer and reflection sessions, and took part in community-building activities aimed at nurturing their spiritual growth and personal development.

The 16th Diocesan Youth Convention promised to be a transformative experience for the attendees, as they embarked on a journey of faith and self-discovery, guided by the teachings of the Church and the inspiration of Mary. The event culminated in a closing Mass, which further reinforced the convention’s message of unity, communion, and the importance of actively living out one’s faith in the world. (Rey B. Comania – Mati SoCCom | Photos by Diocese of Mati-Social Communications Ministry FB Page)