MANILA, April 18, 2013—Young people from the National Capital Region (NCR) are gathering for a half-day of prayer in observance of a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful (CHAMP) elections in May.
Slated on April 27, Saturday, from 2-7 p.m. at the Savio Dome of Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati, the prayer rally titled “Kilos Kabataan: Manalangin…CHAMPS 2013” aims to mobilize youth from NCR and nearby dioceses to pray and act to achieve a CHAMP election.
Following the CBCP Pastoral Letter on the 1986 Presidential Elections titled “We must obey God, rather than men (Acts 5:29),” the activity will help young people— some of whom are first time voters— to pray for a CHAMP election, discern for the right candidate, and vote according to conscience.
The CHAMP elections activity will be graced by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who will celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
NCR regional youth coordinator Peter Pardo said they are expecting 2,500 to 3,000 young people, including NCR bishops, clergy from dioceses under the said region and PPCRV chair Henrietta de Villa, to participate in the event.
“Highlights of the activity are the Mass, four stations of prayer, enthronement of the National Youth Day cross, reflection sessions and sharing, pledge for an honest election, and a mock polling precinct for voters education,” Pardo added.
Prayer stations will focus on the following themes: “Manalangin Magmasid, Manalangin Magpasya, Manalangin Magnilay, and Manalangin Manindigan.”
“This prayer rally is a way to [instil] to the young people the importance of prayer and action. So it’s basically, work and pray,” Pardo stressed.
Reflections on the four stations will also focus the important mysteries of the Holy Rosary, 1st is the Annunciation (Manalangin Magmasid), 2nd is the Baptism of the Lord (Manalangin Magpasya), 3rd is Carrying of the Cross (Manalangin Magnilay), and 4th is Ascension (Manalangin Manindigan).
Towards the end of every station, each individual will come up with his pledge for an honest election. A candle lighting ceremony will also serve as a prelude for the May 12 Candle for Hope program of the Youth Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
A mock polling precinct and the process of election will be done to give youth attendees an experience of what will happen on election day. (Jandel Posion)
