MANILA, March 21, 2013—The youth arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reminded diocesan directors, coordinators, youth ministers and leaders to commemorate the feast day of the 2nd Filipino teen Saint Pedro Calungsod and join the celebration of Earth Hour 2013.
Fr. Conegundo Garganta, the executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) in an email, pointed on the liturgical commemoration of St. Pedro Calungsod and Earth Hour as important activities for the youth this week.
The liturgical commemoration of the feast of St. Pedro Calungsod is April 2, but since the date falls within the Eastern Octave, the Octave takes precedence on feasts and memorials of saints. This year’s memorial is transferred on March 23, Saturday before Palm Sunday, according to Garganta.
He stressed on the youth to use this commemoration to promote greater awareness about Calungsod, his life and example, and to inspire more and more the youth to a stronger friendship with the Lord Jesus.
The other activity, he also said, is the involvement of young people in this year’s celebration of Earth Hour.
“One of the three goals of Catholic youth ministry in our country is to encourage community involvement (cf. KA-LAKBAY, p. 61). Very much connected to this is our effort to engage our youth in the care of our planet, our global home and gift to us from the Creator who is also our Father,” Garganta said.
Set on March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening, the event is a basic invitation to switch off non-essential lights and electric appliances together with gadgets and internet for the whole hour.
ECY suggested to have more elaborate and engaging ways to promote environmental awareness and conservation such as group sharing under the stars about caring for the planet, cultural performance, structured learning experiences and event adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, each step, big or small will be a great help to save Mother Earth.
Garganta has also requested youth ministers and leaders to email, photos, videos and narrative reports of their respective ministries’ observance of the two activities mentioned for uploading in the ECY website. (Jandel Posion)
