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.