MANILA, Dec. 4, 2011—The Episcopal Commission on Youth Chairman and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon has endorsed the Christian Meditation Conference for young people to be held at SM Megamall’s Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Ortigas Center, Pasig City on Dec. 6 and 7.
The conference, which is organized by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) Philippines, presents an opportunity especially for the young people and youth ministers, to learn contemplation as a means to deepen their relationship with Christ.
“These conferences which will both take place as we come to the conclusion of our CBCP Year of the Youth, aim to benefit our young people and to enrich our youth ministry,” said Baylon.
The bishop also mentioned that the first conference on December 6 called the “Contemplative Executive” is prepared particularly for young professionals (blue and white collar), formands, and other young people eager to develop contemplation towards a fuller life.
The other conference on December 7 called “Stillness in Schools” will cater to educators (government and sectarian) and parents.
Both conferences will be facilitated by WCCM Director Rev. Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB.
“I look at these Conferences as opportunities to live our cry this Year of the Youth to stand firm in the faith and do all our work in love [cf. 1 Cor 16:13-14], with contemplation as the way,” Baylon said.
He added that “looking beyond this special year for our young people, these Conferences remain relevant and helpful for us in the youth ministry in our desire to cultivate prayer among the young, as it nurtures the relationship with Christ, he who is the foundation of Christian life.”
Baylon also called on those responsible for youth ministry, in the dioceses and member organizations of the Federation of National Youth Organizations (FNYO), as well as those in youth ministries in parishes, campuses and other settings, to attend the conferences as a fitting follow-up to the National Youth Day 2011.
“I also personally call on each young person—studying, working or still searching—to avail of this opportunity. This could be a light in your journey towards true joy and lasting fulfillment,” he added.
According to the organizers, the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord can sit comfortably 1,000 participants.
But while seat availability will be on a first come first serve basis, organizers are asking interested participants to confirm their attendance with the secretariat to assure them of a seat.
For questions, you may call the Discernment Facilitators, Inc. Secretariat at (02) 213-8110 or 0928-223-7597 or email them at discernmentfacilitators1@gmail.com.
They also emphasized that tickets are not required but participants are encouraged to give love offerings according to the prodding of their heart.
“This is to help us cover Fr. Laurence’s transportation, provide him with a modest stipend in appreciation of his support to achieve our dream of helping our youth fare better in this day and age and give a donation to the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord to help defray for the cost of electricity and manpower during the conferences,” the organizers explained. (Jandel Posion)
