By Fr. Mario Baclig, SDB

Cebu, The Philippines, 12 March 2025 - Last March 3, 2025, Monday, the lobby of Don Bosco Provincial House metamorphosed into a sanctuary of prayer. Six of the SDBs were there. Homeowners of the Maryville Subdivision were there, twelve of them. Surprisingly, nineteen of the youths were there. Some came from the San Isidro Parish; three of them came all the way from Pulangbato.

The lobby was dark, save for twelve candles lit before the icons of Mary and Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament. Special mats from Camotes were laid out on the floor, but chairs were also placed at the sides for those whose knees could no longer bend. This was the usual Holy Hour of the community, but in the style of Taize. Foremost in the prayer intentions was an appeal to the Lord to send more laborers into the harvest. Hence, the Holy Hour could not but be praying with the youth.

As soon as Fr. Rector brought in Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the mesmerizing chant of Taize carried the opening prayer of worship and adoration. “Jesus, Son of the living God...” to which all answered: “We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ.” Prayer continued with the Church’s Evening Prayer, which took the bulk of the hour. The youth were just too glad to join the adults in praying the psalms.

Each of the intentions was followed by the Taize refrain: “O Lord, hear our prayer... When I call, answer me.” How could Jesus miss the special intention for young men and women called to follow him in a more radical way?

The Latin hymn Tantum Ergo preceded the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Amid the singing of the adults, one could make out a few youthful voices. It was truly a prayer with the young. Later, the youth led the way in kneeling and kissing the Grand Taize cross. The adults joined them, taking their time to bend, kneel, and pray.

In Salesian style, the Holy Hour ended with the Good Night from Bro. John, and... snacks! Plus, there was an invitation to see one another the following month.

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