MANILA, Nov. 19, 2012—A forum organized by the youth ministry of the Vicariate of Sto. Nino in the Archdiocese of Manila focused on the mission of the young people in the Year of Faith.
Themed “Mission and Faith: the Mission of Youth in the Year of Faith”, the forum assembled hundreds of young people in the vicariate, which was held at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo last November 10.
In line with the celebration of the Year of Faith, the activity aimed to impart and share some knowledge and ideas about the mission of young people in proclaiming the Catholic faith. The participants were also taught on how to become missionaries even in a smallest way.
Bro. Israel Cruz, of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS) shared his mission experience as a seminarian, a youth, a youth minister and a faithful.
Cruz, who was guest speaker during the forum, said the youth must be proud to express their faith because most of the youth in today’s generation are very elusive and untamed when they talk about their faith.
The event culminated with a holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Ramon “Bong” Turingan Jr., youth director of the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
In his homily, Turingan explained the important role of the youth as a collaborator and companion of the Church in proclaiming the Good News.
He also emphasized the young people as the hope not only of the Nation but also of the Church.
Turingan shared his mission experiences during his days as a seminarian, offering the best he could, even in a small and imperfect way, and proved that God is always there to accompany and assist him in his missionary works.
“Like the poor widow, we should not be ashamed or afraid to give what we only had. Instead, we must share this to those who are in need,” Turingan added.
He emphasized that people do not need to become great and rich in order to serve the Lord because as a youth missionary, “we should give our best, our time, treasure, talents and efforts to proclaim the good news to our fellow youth especially to those who are un-churched.”
Turingan said the youth can look up to San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz who both served as concrete examples of true missionaries who gave everything even their own lives in proclaiming the faith that all of us believe.
The vicariate is composed of 7 parishes namely: the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish), San Pablo Apostol Parish, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, Nuestra Señora dela Soledad Parish, St. John Bosco Parish – Tondo, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chinese Parish, and the Sto. Nino de Tondo Parish. (Christian Xeres Santos/Jandel Posion)
