Inspired Jubilation

The Archdiocese of Davao celebrated the Local World Youth Day on November 25 and 26 at the Saint Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary. The event started with the enthronement of the Cross, the Holy Bible, and the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the solemn enthronement was the animation to hype up the energy of the participants as they prepared to have a mini tour of the archdiocese’s vicariates, where each vicariate prepared a booth showcasing the recent activities of each parish youth apostolate under their jurisdiction.

One of the event’s highlights was the talk show where the delegates of the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal shared their experiences and struggles. One of them shared her challenging experience of getting her visa approved so she could join the WYD in Lisbon, and the other shared the struggle of missing the means of transportation going to places where the activities of the WYD were held. Lastly, they shared that their happiest moment and a once-in-a-lifetime experience was meeting the Holy Father, the Pope in person and closely as his Pope mobile passed by in the area where they were staying, they recall that they were put into tears and emotions burst as they saw the Pope very close in distance.

The event was also graced by the presence of the Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G Valles, D.D who the youth welcomed warmly with dancing and cheers. During the encounter, the youth was allowed to ask the bishop a question. Each Vicariate prepared questions that were personal and were mostly relevant to the struggles of the youth. It was asked why some parishes do not have enough budget for youth. The Archbishop responded to the question in an explanatory manner that not all of the parishes have enough budget for every ministry especially since there are other projects that need to be prioritized but it doesn’t mean that the youth ministry is being neglected or ignored. The Archbishop promised to raise the said inquiry in their Presbyterium meeting to address the said issue. He was also asked how he handles criticism, in which he responded, that he knows himself, he knows his worth, and that he can still run an archdiocese, he also reminded the youth to know their worth. Another question that was asked that caught the attention of everyone in the event was, what is the Archbishop’s stand with the LGBTQ members that are active in the church and are youth leaders. He then replied “Now akong stand, dili lang ni stand ni Abp. Valles noh, naa sa Catechism of the Catholic Church, giingnan ta we should deal with them, treat them with respect and appreciation, di na ako ha, it is in the book… Essentially with love and respect so therefore in the church there should be no room nga muingon kita wa kay labot,” he then received applause from the young crowd. The last part of the encounter was the fast talk, here are some of the questions from the fast talk and the Archbishop’s response:

• Favorite sacrament to celebrate: Mass
• Christmas or easter: Easter
• Most memorable time as a seminarian: Graduation
• Favorite movie: Fiddler on the Roof
• Favorite saint: Saint Joseph
• Favorite feast day: Easter
• One wish to be granted today: We become one big happy family
• Kung abrihan ang imong kasing kasing karon, unsay sulod niini: Pag-alagad

The last question was to complete the sentence “I am Archbishop Romulo Valles, D.D and I am your? In which he responded, suluguon or servant”. The archbishop then received cheers and applause from the youth.

The socio-cultural night brought the crowd into the globe tour, for each vicariate prepared a presentation that showcased the culture and dances of the countries they represent. The show started with South Korea a presentation from the Immaculate Conception vicariate, they showcased the most popular KPOP dances and dance groups from the said country such as Momoland’s, Bboom Bboom and Black Pink’s, How you like that. South Korea is the next host country of the World Youth Day 2027. The following are the vicariates and their assigned countries: San Pedro Vicariate presented Spain, Sta. Ana Vicariate presented the Philippines, San Pablo Vicariate presented Italy, Sacred Heart Vicariate presented Mexico, Sto. Rosario Vicariate presented Argentina, St James Vicariate presented USA, and lastly the newest addition to the Archdiocese, the La Purisima Vicariate presented Portugal. Praise and worship followed after the socio-cultural night. You can see the youth felt the songs of praises to God as they raised their hands and sang together with the angelic voices of the song leaders. The praise and worship lasted for an hour setting the mood for the next activity. The youth of San Pedro Vicariate facilitated the praise and worship.

The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by a vigil took place. In the silence of the hour the youth walked through the path going to REMASE’s chapel where the exposed body of our Lord waited. The beauty of the darkness of the place lead to the majestic lights coming from the altar where the monstrance carrying the holy body of Christ our King was enthroned. A scenery fit for the day’s liturgical celebration, the Solemnity of Christ the King. A reminder to the young people of the Archdiocese that Christ is our Lord and our King, worthy of all praise, thanksgiving, and adoration, the light in our darkness, the hope in our hopelessness, the courage in our fears. The throne of the Lord was never left empty for each vicariate was assigned to be with Him througout the vigil. The worship team prepared some songs and videos as reflections for the young people to meditate. The Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King took place early in the morning. The sleeplessness and tiredness of the youth was unnoticeable during the morning which was recognized by the mass celebrant, Rev. Msgr. Paul Cuison, with him, were concelebrants Rev. Fr. Kim Samones, DAYCA spiritual director, and Rev. Fr. Samuel Carandang the CCMD director. In his homily, the good monsignor reminded the young congregation that the days are still long for them and that they should live them with joy, choose the right decisions in life, and follow Christ, the king of the Universe. Before the mass ended the DAYCA Coordinator Kuya Dolly Camangyan recognized and gave thanks to all the people who were part of the success of the Local World Youth Day from his core group, LWYD Davao 2023 staff, and committee heads, the food sponsors, parishes and parish priests and to all who participated in the event. The Finale of the activity is the photo op per vicariate. A worthy sleepless night indeed, all for Mary and Christ. (Jomar Narciso | Photos by Argie Lico)