By Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB

Tuguegarao, Philippines, November 15, 2015 - Delegates from the Salesian Youth Movement – FIS joined the five-day National Youth Day (NYD) in Tuguegarao, Cagayan from November 11-15, 2015. Bro. Erwin Joey Cabilan, SDB headed the delegation accompanied by Ms. Patlyn Antonette Pañares from the SYM Core Group and 10 others. Together with the delegates from SYM-FIN, they joined more than 4,000 young people all over the country in this annual youth gathering.

Archbishop Sergio Utleg, Archbishop of Tuguegarao, with five other bishops and scores of priests welcomed the youth during the Opening Eucharistic Celebration held St. Peter’s Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. In his homily, he reminded the youth that “they are the hope of the present and the future; the future life of the Church is in their hands.” Archdiocesan youth director Fr. Kristian Noel, the head of the organizing committee said that this is the first time the archdiocese will host the event.

The Theme of the NYD 2015 is “Blessed are the Pure of Heart for they shall see God.” It is based on Pope Francis’ Message for the 30th World Youth Day 2015.

According to Ms. Patlyn Antonette Pañares, the NYD 2015 was “an experience of faith.” The SYM Delegates were touched by the generosity and hospitality of their foster families who opened their door to them. Others were touched by the prayer experience.

The National Youth Day is a festival of celebrations, formation, prayer, conferences and other religious activities aimed at enriching the spiritual lives of young Catholics. It aims at giving the modern Filipino youth an experience of faith by reflecting on the World Youth Day Message of the Pope. In 1986, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) approved the annual holding of the National Youth Day as a way of concretizing its preferential apostolate for child and youth.

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