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Christus Vivit for Young People

FIN, Philippines, 13 May 2020 -- During the whole month of May (4-31) on the Facebook pages of the Salesian Youth Movement - FIN the ‘LIT! Online Pentecost Retreat’ based on the 'Christus Vivit' (Christ is alive) Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis is available. The retreat was launched with the video invitation from three well-known leaders - the Rector Major Fr. Angel F. Artime, the former General Councillor for Youth Ministry Fr. Fabio Attard, and Filipino Bishop of Daet, Rex Alacron (Chairman of the CBCP commission on Youth).

The interactive and involving method of the retreat helps many young people to enter the dynamics of the 'Youthful Church' Pope Francis dreamed of in his Apostolic Exhortation. On Facebook you can admire the interactive dynamics of Video-talks (Fr. Jobeth) in “Taglish” (Tagalog-English) in order to be understood also by the students of public schools, and a short video sharing (e.g. Fr. Roel Soto last Sunday), ten minutes guided meditation prayer, reminders with questions for personal prayer, simple ‘takeaway’ after each talk. The overall scheme for ‘LIT! Christ Alive in Me’:

Monday & Thursday: 10:30 AM ‘LIT’ session via FB Live

Tuesday & Friday: 10:30 AM Tanglaw: Silence and prayer (meditation)

Wednesday & Saturday: 10:30 AM Alab: Proclaiming His message

Sunday: 10:30 AM SYM Sharing Via FB Live

4:00 PM Small group sharing via Zoom

According to Fr. Joebeth L. Vivo (FIN Youth Ministry delegate):

"As of May 3 there are 142 registered participants, 73 female and 69 male; majority of them (124) are young adults (18 years above) and 18 are below 17 years of age; 48 are students (13 Junior High school, 19 Senior high school, 32 College students) and 74 professionals - working youth. What is amazing - 58 participants are SYM members and 63 are from other Catholic Youth Associations while 23 don't declare any Church affiliation. Another 20 more participants registered after May 3.

The response is very good - young people try to read the Bible and the 'Christus Vivit' during this retreat. We are happy that the LIT retreat is reaching young people who are not even involved in the Salesian Youth Movement, and even those who are not involved in the Church."