“GOD’S WORD: The Breath of New Life”

The Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate of Davao (ABAD), in collaboration with the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) initiated a Youth Bible Symposium held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Gymnasium, Bangkal, Davao City, on January 20, 2024, with the theme: GOD’S WORD: The Breath of New Life. This big event was actively participated by around 175 youth from 28 parishes of the Archdiocese of Davao.

The symposium commenced with a Holy Mass Celebrated by Rev. Fr. Henry Campeon, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bangkal and followed by the welcome remarks from ABAD Coordinator Mr. Concordio Pondias. To honor the Word of God, a Bible enthronement was done with the pilgrim walk performed by the selected youth from different vicariates.

Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, the Spiritual Director of ABAD also commemorated the event with his inspiring and challenging message to the youth by quoting the statement of Pope Francis which says, “the youth are the now of the Church.”

A Bible Quiz was one of the significant highlights of the event that was participated by 56 youth from participating parishes. One of the youth participant from San Pedro Poveda Parish said, “the Bible quiz questions were very difficult and challenging, but they inspire us to read, reflect and live the word of God in our daily lives.” She also said, “we enjoyed maskin dili mao among tubag”. Despite difficulties and challenges, Sto. Rosario Parish emerged victorious as the champion, followed by Virgin de Los Remedios Parish and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish respectively.

Poster Making Contest was also the highlight of the event with 5 Young Artist participants from the 5 different vicariates (1 per Vicariate) St. James Vicariate was declared as the champion followed by Sta. Ana and Sto. Rosario vicariates, repectively.

Fr. Marbendear Morallas, the Keynote Speaker of the said symposium emphasized that studying and reflecting the word of God is God encountering us. But, different denominations or religions have their own ways of understanding God, us Catholics also have our unique way of interpreting God. Pope Francis reminds us, that if we want to know the truth of the gospel we should study and reflect it in the context of the church, studying the word of God outside the church may endanger our spiritual growth. So, he challenged the youth to be founded in our own Catholic faith, live with the word of God and be vigilant to others who are different from us. The speaker ended his talk by giving a reflection question; “in your effort to live the word of God what challenges or difficulties do you encounter, and where do you draw strength to persevere?

The event culminated by awarding the bountiful cash gift to the winners from the generous heart of Dr. Cyrus Estera of San Pedro Cancer Support Community. (Zyra Duller)