Making Disciples of All Nations
- From Rio to Laguna (FIN)
CALAMBA, LAGUNA
(PHILIPPINES) 28
July 2013 - An estimated 13,000-young pilgrims spent
the weekend in a pilgrimage of prayer, worship, reflection,
music and dance at the grounds of Colegio de San Juan de
Letran, Calamba one with Pope Francis in celebration of the
World Youth Day 2013-Rio. The aspirants and prenovices of Don
Bosco Prenovitiate Seminary joined and participated in this
event.
The overnight (activity-packed no-sleep) event began with the
Pilgrim Walk of Faith on 27 July, 4:00 pm. Stations leading
the pilgrims to the four-pillars of faith--Ten Commandments,
Creed, Seven Sacraments, and Prayer -- where set along the
two-kilometer walk from The Plaza, Calamba to Colegio de San
Juan de Letran. A brass band and a drum and lyre ensemble
playing popular songs gave a festive welcome to the pilgrims
arriving at Letran.
A series of musical performances and talks gave space for the
pilgrims to reflect and to deepen their insights on the theme,
"Go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19)."
Brother Obet Cabrillas, a former fighter turned missionary,
preacher and life-builder of the Light of Jesus community
helped the pilgrims to reflect on the them with his energetic
and awe-inspiring talk that left them standing, actively
engaged and participating.
Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, DD, the prelate of the Diocese
of San Pablo, who wanted to be called Tatay Ben (Daddy Ben),
had a light, friendly and informal encounter with the young
pilgrims through a forum set like a talk show. Speaking in the
vernacular, he willingly and happily responded to the
questions of the pilgrims -most of which were about his
personal life and his aspirations for the young.
Bishop Ben, who had accompanied the 13,000 participants,
presided over the concluding mass. A flock of doves were set
free symbolizing the send-off of the young pilgrims to make
disciples of all nations.