3250 SYM-FIN joins Local World Youth Day
austraLasia #3250

 

SYM-FIN joins Local World Youth Day

DBTI-MAKATI CITY (PHILIPPINES) 27-28 July 2013- In the spirit of solidarity and communion with Holy Father and young people gathered in Rio de Janeiro, thousands of enthusiastic young people, youth leaders and animators from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) - FIN of the SDB's and FMA's gathered at Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Makati City to celebrate the Local World Youth Day 2013 last July 27-28, 2013.

In morning of July 27, the SYM assembled at St. John Bosco Parish Gymnasium for a forum in line with the WYD 2013. Animations and programs were held. Sr. Sarah Garcia, FMA (Provincial of the Philippines) and Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB (Provincial of the FIN) shared some facts and reflections about the young of today.  They challenged the young to go beyond themselves and be disciples and evangelizers of their own generation. The SYM Forum ended with a group reflection based on the theme of the WYD, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Mt. 28:19) and its relation to the Salesian Youth Spirituality.

The overnight Local WYD at DBTI, Makati started at 1:00 pm. As one group, representatives of the SYM, together with FMA sisters, SDB postnov brothers and lay animators, marched their way to the venue of the Local WYD. This event was headed by the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, National Capital Region Youth Coordinating Council and Federation of National Youth Organization with Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB as their spiritual moderator. 

Some activities and highlights on the first day of the Local WYD were the opening Mass presided by Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado, DD, catechesis by San Jose, Nueva Ecija Bishop Roberto Mallari, DD, group sharing, youth festivals, Eucharistic Adoration, Way of the Cross and Praise and Worship Night. The 2-day celebration became livelier because of the animation dances prepared by the Savio Friends Club members of Tondo. The youth enjoyed dancing “Francisco” and the theme song of WYD. Early morning of the second day, the pilgrims joined the live vigil and adoration via live satellite feed. They listened intently to the message of Pope Francis addressed to them asking them to become “builders of a better world.” The Local WYD ended with the recitation of the rosary and Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle highlighted the importance of becoming aware of the paternal presence of God in our lives and the role of prayer in making ourselves true disciples of Christ.