DAGUPAN City, Nov. 1, 2011—The Northern Luzon Regional Youth Coordinating Council held a conference for youth ministers in a bid to provide a venue for renewal among youth ministers in relation to their ministry, including a closer opportunity for interaction in upholding the value of life.
Hosted by the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, the regional youth conference was held from November 3 to 5.
The threefold purpose of the conference was to be in solidarity with the Philippine Church in celebration of the CBCP-Year of the Youth (CBCP-YOTY) as a region; to have a more collaborative youth ministry in the region; and to renew the commitment as inspired youth ministers in the ministry.
The conference had an over-all theme: “Stand firm in the faith… Do all your work in love” and sub-theme: “Youth Shout: ‘I stand for life.’”
The youth coordinating council hoped that through those themes it can convey the message to the youth to make a firm stand against the issue of RH bill and support the pro-life position of the Church.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led the welcome Mass and ceremonies at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Bangued Bishop Paul Jaucian, SVD, who is also the Bishop Chairman of the youth said the Mass on the second day of the conference.
Nueva Segovia Auxiliary Bishop William Antonio gave a talk on the topic “Stand firm in the faith.” Another talk was given in the afternoon by Fr. Liberato Ortega on the “Youth Shout: ‘I stand for life’” followed by a workshop by clusters.
Other highlights of the conference include the Taize prayer, a meditative form of prayer; and a cultural night, which showcased the culture of the different participant-dioceses.
The last day focused on the talk of Mr. Stephen Borja on “Do all your work in love” with a workshop by sub-regions. The conference concluded with a send-off Mass officiated by Urdaneta Bishop Jacinto Jose.
The Northern Luzon Region is the second largest ecclesiastical region in the country with 14 diocesan youth ministries, next to Mindano-Sulu Region with 21. The 14 diocesan youth ministries are the three archdioceses of Lingayen-Dagupan, Nueva Segovia, and Tuguegarao; the nine dioceses of Alaminos, Baguio-Benguet, Bangued, Bayombong, Ilagan, Laoag, San Fernando de La Union, and Urdaneta; the two apostolic vicariates of Bontoc-Lagawe and Tabuk; and the prelature of Batanes. (Mark Vertido)
