Virac Bishop on 2024 Diocesan Youth Day: “You are a generation of hope”
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ED)In his homily at the 2024
Diocesan Youth Day, Most Rev. Luisito A. Occiano, the Bishop of the Diocese of
Virac, compared the youth to a fire that provides warmth and hope to others. He
encouraged them to embrace their role in lighting the way for others.
“Pag ang kalayo kinaputan mo,
makukulgan ka. Pero ‘pag ang kalayo, dinala mo sa diklom, matatabangan ka,”
Bishop Occiano said, speaking to hundreds of young Catholics gathered for a day
of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth at the Catanduanes State
University (CatSU) on December 14.
Rev. Fr. Benju Royce T. De Jesus,
who spoke on the topic "APARTINENS: Youth Desiring to Belong to the
Church," expanded on this idea by emphasizing that the youth are not just
the hope of the Church but are the Church itself.
“Ang kabataan, bako sanang
pag-asa ning simbahan. Ang kabataan mismo ang simbahan. Remember, bako ta ika
an paglaom, kundi ika mismo simbahan. Ika mismo parte nin simbahan,” Fr. De
Jesus declared, stressing the vital role of young people in the life of the
Church.
The theme of youth actively
contributing to the Church continued with Rev. Fr. Ryan T. Zafe’s session on
“PREASTATIO: Youth Serving Fellow Youth.” Fr. Zafe encouraged the youth to
promote inclusivity within their communities.
“Ang mga youth kayang maging
inclusive sa community. We serve one another, we help one another build a
stronger and more vibrant Church,” he said, pointing out the power of youth-led
service.
In another session, Rev. Fr.
Herald B. Cueva, speaking on “QUARENS: Youth in Search of Faith” at Risen
Christ Hall, urged the youth to deepen their faith, especially in the face of
life’s challenges.
“An pagtubod somehow minakusog sa
tahaw nin diklom. Sa tahaw ning pagduda. Alagad, apisar kan pagduda, and still,
we choose to trust in God. That is faith,” Fr. Cueva shared, encouraging the
young attendees to remain steadfast in their faith despite doubts.
During the plenary session, Rev.
Fr. Eduardo Z. Zafe reminded the youth of the importance of upholding the Eucharist,
saying “Walang magiging bunga ang ating youth ministries sa parishes, if we,
youth ministries, do not realize the importance of upholding the Eucharist.”
In closing, Rev. Fr. Nestor
Perpetou Pastor, the director of the Catholic Youth Apostolate (CYA), expressed
his gratitude to the young participants.
Reflecting on the theme “IGNITE:
Youth on Fire with Faith and Love in the Golden Jubilee,” he thanked the youth
for coming together to answer God's call and for their active participation in
the event.
Photo Credit: CYA Apostolate
