MANILA (UCAN): On December 7, the Diocese of Cubao, in Metro Manila, the Philippines, kicked off its diocesan youth day event themed, Arise! Young Man, I Say to You Arise, adopted from Pope Francis’ call in this year’s World Youth Day for young people to take up a more prominent role in Church affairs.
The event, which is being held online this year due to the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao.
“Our youth have a lot of energy. Hopefully, we can use that energy to grow our faith to be able to inspire other people,” the bishop said and called on young people to utilise and devote their time to the service of the needy.
“My dear young people, you are the hope of the Church, the hope of our diocese. Hopefully, you will respond,” he said.
Citing the recently beatified, Carlo Acutis, Bishop Ongtioco called on young people to use modern technology to spread the Good News.
Blessed Acutis has become known as the patron saint of millennials due to his Internet skills for documenting Eucharistic miracles and listing them on a website before his death.
“Be inspired by the English-born Italian youth who devoted his time and skills to modern technology. Blessed Acutis proved that sainthood is possible for young people in this computer age,” Bishop Ongtioco said.
According to government figures, young people aged between 15- and 30-years-old represent more than 40 per cent of the total Philippine population.
Meanwhile, the newly installed Jose Cardinal Advincula of Capiz, called on churchgoers to be living witnesses and missionary disciples during these difficult times.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
He said churchgoers need to be creative in becoming missionaries of the Catholic Church.
“Even if most of us are forced to stay at home, we can still carry out our mandate to be missionary disciples. Through our words, actions and our total commitment to the faith, we can all preach the Gospel to others around us be it at home, work-places, schools and within our small communities,” he said in a homily during a Mass this week in Roxas City.
