Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros, Fr. Chi Go, and Fr. Jigs Garcia preside over a concelebrated Mass during the annual Diocesan Youth Big Day at Malolos Sports and Convention Center on Sunday, Dec. 13. (Photo: Angelo Raj Caburnay)
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 16, 2015 – The future leaders of the Church, delegates from various vicariates and parishes, gathered to celebrate their annual Diocesan Youth Big Day at Malolos Sports and Convention Center on Sunday, Dec. 13.
During the Mass held to mark the event, Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros reminded the young leaders about God’s mercy. “You will not be able to feel the mercy of God unless you open your hearts through repentance, reconciliation, and charitable deeds,” he said.
Meanwhile, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary rector Fr. Sonny de Armas, shared a talk on how young people should respond to the present conditions of our society by studying well, loving, living simple, facing the pressures in life, giving importance to family, and being merciful like God.
“A true Catholic youth has the ability to face any situation in his or her life,” de Armas continued. “Let us follow the humility and simplicity of Pope Francis.”
In his message, Fr. Jigs Garcia, Diocesan Commission on Youth director/chairman asked the “Katolikong Kabataang Bulakeno” (KKB) – the term he used to call the participants, to continue making a difference for their families and friends, for the Church, and most of all, for God.
The young people of the Diocese of Malolos celebrate the DCY Big Day 2015 with a blast. (Photo Credit: Angelo Raj Caburnay)
“That is the youth of today. To stand when everybody is sitting and dare to stand out when everybody dares to stand,” he added.
Garcia, assisted by his vice chairman, Fr. Oscar Duran honored several individuals who had shown exemplary efforts in youth ministry in the diocese.
The different vicariates had earlier submitted short film entries that tackled various topics and issues about the youth, the poor, mass media, government, environment, church, clergy, and God’s mercy. The assembly was then asked to reflect on these films and to determine how everyone is called by God to serve as the “active Church of today”.
“I felt proud to be able to partake in one of these short films,” Angelo Raj Caburnay, Meycauayan VCY vice coordinator, told CBCP News. “These films gave new opportunities for the youth of the diocese to showcase their talents and capabilities.”
With the theme, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” delegates from Vicariates of Valenzuela City, Meycauayan, Bocaue, San Miguel, Sta. Maria, San Jose, Plaridel, Hagonoy, Malolos, and Baliuag attended the fun-filled and spirit-enhancing one-day event. An assembly prayer and the enthronement of the images of San Pedro Calungsod and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Youth Cross commenced the roster of activities.
The organizers also gave commendations to best short films and distributed certificates to the parish attendees during the event. (Myraine Carluen Policarpio / CBCP News)
