MANILA, Sept. 11, 2013—Around 200 young people from all over the Archdiocese of Manila attended the opening activity of the Archdiocesan Youth Month last September 7.
Organized by the Archdiocesan Commission on Youth of Manila (ACY Manila), the opening celebration focused on Koinonia or Fellowship helped youth leaders to strengthen the devotion in the teachings of the Church.
Koinonia, meaning fellowship, is a Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible. It first appeared on Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:42), “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
“Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life,” organizers explained.
“Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of Koinonia and the essence of the celebration,” they said.
The word “fellowship”, they said, describes the beautiful relationship of faith which connects true Christians to God and to all other true believers.
ACY Manila believed that as leaders and members, young people want to be in a fellowship; devoting themselves in the teachings of the Church, as one Body—in the breaking of Bread and prayer, and coming together in love, faith and encouragement.
Fr. Leo Ignacio welcomed the youth participants while different ministries under ACY presented their own vision, mission statements and programs.
Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, ACY Commissioner presented the vision and mission statement of ACY and Bro. Rey Domingo, the program coordinator presented the module and strategies which is anchored to the theme of the opening activity “Go, Do Not Be Afraid, Serve.”
A prayer vigil for Syria concluded the opening celebration.
The 2nd and 3rd week of the youth month celebration will be held in parishes, campuses, dormitories, organizations and movements, and ministry levels.
The month-long celebration will culminate with a youth conference and mission concert on September 28 at the Cardinal Sin Auditorium of Paco Catholic School. (Jandel Posion)
