MANNAM Youth for Peace : Filipino youth at WYD in Rio, "hope" of the Church and society

Hundreds of boys and girls meet will meet Pope Francis in Brazil. A 'official' delegation from the Philippines led by the bishops, but groups of individual communities, institutions and religious organizations are also planned. Bishop of Pasig to young people: "You represent the nation. All of us will be there with you. "


Manila (AsiaNews) - The new generation "are the hope of the Church and society" and it is "our duty" to educate them to become "good and devoted elements " within society as a whole. This is the message delivered by leaders of the Diocese of Pasig - a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Manila, in the Philippines - to the participants at the 28th World Youth Day (WYD), scheduled for July 23 to 28 next to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On Sunday, June 30 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Pasig Mass was celebrated mandating the diocesan delegates, who will meet Pope Francis and young people from around the world in the metropolis of Rio. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara emphasized the importance of "being a missionary for others."


During the Mass, the bishop reminded participants of the importance of their mission and the special experience they will have.  Msgr. Vergara added that it is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity and the meeting with the Pope must be lived in communion "with whole world." "Not everyone has the opportunity to see the Pope in person - he continues - and ... that's why your presence is not only a personal experience. You represent the nation. All of us will be there with you."

In his homily Fr. Joeffrey Brian Catuiran, diocesan youth ministry director, spoke of the importance of young people in the missionary task promoted by the Church, under the motto "go and make disciples of all nations." "Young people are the hope of the Church and of society - said the priest - and we need to help them become [as Pope emeritus Benedict XVI pointed out] good and devout members of the community."

Fr. Catuiran echoed the words of Pope Francis inviting the young people "not to be ashamed to carry the Cross" and to prepare for this special World Youth Day event at "a spiritual level". So that it may be "a sign of faith for the entire world. Welcoming the love of Christ, who embraces us" just like the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city of Rio.

More than 300 young Filipinos will participate in the WYD in Brazil. Accompanying them will be the President of the Philippine Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Cebu Jose Palma, along with four other bishops and numerous priests. The number of young Filipinos, however, could be much higher, because many schools, institutes, autonomous communities are organizing delegations that will be present in Rio for the days of celebration and prayer. The "official" Episcopal Conference delegation leaves for Brazil between July 13 and 15, in time to celebrate the missionary days 17-21. They will be hosted by the Diocese of Petropolis, about 70 km from Rio de Janeiro


+Adults and whole world have hope on Youth for Peace.
Some genuine heart, some willingness for others, some positive energy can inspire all the societies...
Those values are seen through YOUTH.

I hope all the international youth gather together and step forward for ONE purpose, World Peace.
That would be so amazing and touching.
Will be more of Youth gathering than before.

So YOUTH guys! 
Are you ready to become main characters who can change the world?:)