LEGAZPI City, Oct. 1, 2012—More than 200 young ministers from 86 dioceses, member-organizations of the Federation of National Youth Organization (FNYO) gathered today for the opening of the National Conference for Youth Ministers (NCYM) at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi.
CBCP Youth Commission executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said more than 300 youth ministers are expected to attend the national gathering but so far, only 218 have registered for the 1st day of the national event.
Youth ministers arriving at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral.
“We are still waiting for other youth ministers who are on their way here to Legazpi and we are praying that they will arrive safely,” Garganta said.
Garganta hopes that in the few next days, youth ministers will gain lessons and skills from the topics and workshops that will be given to them.
“We see the NCYM as an opportunity for fellowship and formation for our youth ministers. And [I hope] they will get prospects in making their community strong,” Garganta furthered.
The highlight of the opening of NCYM was the Holy Mass presided by the Episcopal Commission on Youth Chairman and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon.
Bishops Jacinto Jose of Urdaneta, Manolo delos Santos of Virac, Roberto Mallari of San Jose, Nueva Ecija and Lucilo Quiambao, emeritus of Legazpi, concelebrated the Mass together with 69 priests from all over the country.
A foot parade followed after the mass going to St. Agnes Academy for the opening program of the national gathering.
The welcoming night was graced by the presence of the president of the academy and Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal who welcomed the delegates. A video presentation of the history of the diocese and of the CBCP Year of the Youth celebration last year was presented.
Legazpi youth also presented the NCYM Logo and the theme song ending the 1st day of the national event. (Jandel Posion)
