IMUS, Cavite – An estimated 2,000 youth ministers, leaders, bishops and clergy from all over Asia trooped here Friday, November 20, 2009, for the celebration of the 5th Youth Day that will last until November 27.
Dubbed as "Young Asians: Come together, Share the Word and Live the Eucharist", Bishop Rolando Tirona said the event is meant to challenge participants to the true eucharist of transformation.
The Asian Youth Day (AYD) is a gathering of young Catholics from the four sub–regions of Asia: South Asia, East Asia, South East Asia and Central Asia.
Fr. Tirona said the fiesta’s objectives are to renew ones faith in and love for the Word of God and the Eucharist; to celebrate youthfully the Word and the Eucharist in our contexts, cultures and communities and to become agents of renewal by living out the Word and the Eucharist in our realities of Asia .
The eight-day event has two parts: first, the Days in the Diocese where the delegates will be introduced to and immersed in Filipino culture by staying in ten dioceses/parishes surrounding the Diocese of Imus.
Subsequently, the AYD Proper where many activities such as plenary sessions on the Word and the Eucharist, sub-regional reflections and deepening experiences, and workshops and liturgies that will be held at the Diocese of Imus.
The opening on November 23 and the closing on November 27 are open to the public. The former will be held in front of Imus Cathedral at 3 p.m. while the latter will be held at the Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite at 10:30 a.m.
Amidst the widespread stories of gloom and doom in the global scene including Asia, Tirona said the youth of Asia will come together to find strength and hope in the Word of God and draw new life in the Holy Eucharist.
Moreover, the youth of Asia will be engaged in telling the story of a God of compassion and mercy. A God who topples the proud and the haughty and lifts up the lowly.
Fr. Tirona said the diocese of Cavite will be hosting the fiesta to be led by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.
Inspired by Jesus who fed the multitude and the Jesus who revealed himself as the food for everlasting life, the youth of Asia will appeal and challenge governments and churches to provide food for the countless poor, hungry and malnourished youth and children, Fr. Tirona said.
Likewise, this festive event highlights the timeless Asian family and cultural values of sharing a meal, of story telling, of respect and learning from the elders, he said.
Reverend Joel Z. Baylon, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission of Youth, said half of the delegates will be composed of the youths in the Philippines while the other 1000 delegates will come from the other Asian countries.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com 11/20/2009
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