Don Bosco Philippines – South (FIS), March 22-25, 2018. Balamban, Cebu.
More than 2000 young people from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Cebu gathered again for the celebration of the 32nd Local World Youth Day (LWYD) last March 22-25, 2018. It was hosted by the Northwest Ecclesiastical District Youth Coordinating Council or the District 5 of the Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu. The event was held in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Balamban, Cebu with the theme, Lk 1:30 “Ayaw kahadlok Maria kay gikahimut-an ka sa Diyos” (“Do not be afraid Mary, God has found favor with you”).
This gathering gave the young people a once in a lifetime experience of spiritual, social and cultural enlightenment. SYM Cebu cluster sent 50 participants for this year’s LWYD particularly coming form Lourdes Parish, Don Bosco Formation center-Lawaan, Don Bosco – Liloan, and Don Bosco – Pasil.
The delegates were hosted by different families in Balamban and Asturias for four (4) days. The warm welcome and the whole-hearted acceptance of the foster families were really felt by the delegates. It showed that it isn’t only by blood that we form relationships but more importantly through the love of Christ.
On the second day, there were inputs(catechesis) given by Fr. Joriz Calsa, SDB and Ms. Annie Vic Cabije. The delegates learned about how the love of Christ and love of neighbor play a vital role in our life; how it is essential to put him at the center of our life. They both challenged the delegates to understand and imitate the values that Christ showed: extreme generosity, holiness, love for the poor, and simplicity.
Fr. Calsa, SDB, in developing the Philippine thrust this year 2018-2019 on the renewal of being servant-leaders, also gave Servant of God Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, a local clergy from Cebu, as an example of one who was a pure bearer of the values that Christ possessed. People perceived Arch. Teofilo Camomot as a living saint because he was a true follower of Christ.
On the third and last night, the delegates had a parade of lights from St. Francis of Assisi Parish to Balamban Oval where the 32nd Local World Youth ended with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This was presided by his Excellency, Archbishop Jose S. Palma, DD.
(Contributor: Ms. Sarah Quijardo)
