From the MSPC-Youth Director

FROM THE MSPC-Youth Director’s Desk

Ito ang araw na ginawa ng Panginoon. Tayo’y magsaya at magalak… (Ps 118:24)
The psalmist sang this from the recesses of his heart because of the marvelous deeds that the Lord has made… let us rejoice and be glad.

This year the young people of the Philippines one with the psalmist in singing… Ito ang araw(this is the day)… yet the youth extends not just a day… but a long-year of celebration. Celebrate Youth! Celebrate youth ministry!
What makes this celebration ever more meaningful it’s because the ECY-CBCP declares this. Indeed, the grandfathers (lolos) love their grandchildren (apos) in faith.
St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (15:13-14) advices the young people… “Stand firm in the faith… Do all your work in love”. This served also as guiding theme of this year’s occasion. That’s why the theme song of this celebration is entitled… Make a stand… We can stand and make a stand, heart to heart. Hand in hand. We can never too young to come as one and to make a stand.
We also hear the message of Pope Benedict XVI (who continues the work of Pope John Paul II in bringing the young people to Jesus) to the youth of the world on the occasion of the 26th WYD… “Dear young people the Church depends on you! She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope, your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the church.”

INYONG TUIG NI MGA KABATAAN! Taon n’yo to!(this is your year young people!)
With you, young people, as youth ministers, we are one in praying to God…
Almighty Father, God of life and love… bless us
Your young people, with your grace. Give us the
Gift of living life to the full by encountering your
Son Jesus In a personal way and with one another.
Amen.
Together, let’s make this year special for the youth.
We hope that this year and the years to come we may become more and more faithful servants and follow our Lord Jesus as our Example and Savior.
Fr. Levi Mantica, DCT
MSPC-Youth Director
Diocese of Tagum