A celebration of the youth’s faith

The young and young-at-heart gathered recently at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) campus for a unique out-of-classroom experience as they celebrated the 26th World Youth Day (WYD).

Officially held in Madrid, Spain, with Pope Benedict XVI in attendance, a local version of the WYD, World Youth Day 2011 Madrid to Manila Overnight Vigil: A Festival of Faith, was organized by the Campus Ministry of the archdiocese of Manila, diocese of Cubao, Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc., Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and Tanging Yaman Foundation.

The theme of the local WYD was “Kabataang Pilipino, Nakaugat Kay Kristo,” a variation of the global theme, “Planted and Built in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith.”

Some 10,000 youths from different schools, parishes and dioceses in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cebu, Isabela and other provinces participated and learned about faith and spirituality.

Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, DD, said the local WYD celebration was “a life-changing experience [for the youth] through prayer, catechesis, reflection, worship, inspirational songs, liturgical celebrations and sharing of faith stories.”

The local WYD followed the three-part design of Madrid’s: youth festivals, catechesis and liturgical celebrations.

Student performers from St. Paul University Manila entertained the crowd before the event formally started with charismatic songs, dances, a mini-version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and a live band performance.

Other performers were the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Hangad, Kilyawan Choir, Las Piñas Boys Choir, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Company of Ateneo Dancers, Centro Escolar University Dance Troupe and SELAMS, and Youth for Christ Band.

Nostalgia

The mood became nostalgic when the crowd sang the 10th WYD theme song, “Tell the World of His Love.” Held in the Philippines and attended by some five million Catholics from all over the world, the 10th WYD was attended by Blessed John Paul II, then the head of the Roman Catholic church.

Although it rained three times before the program started, participants considered it “a blessing from God.”

“We feel ecstatic and happy. We even danced in the rain,” said Denise Musni, fourth year high school student of St. Mary’s Academy Sta. Ana.

Some even slid on wet tarpaulins they sat on.

As it grew dark, the people became more solemn. The event formally began with the enthronement of the cross, brought from the center aisle to the stage.

ADMU’s Fr. Jose Cecilio Magadia, SJ, welcomed the crowd, quipping that the “energy [of the youth] will beat the rain.” He called on everyone to “use the night to tell the world that we are Catholics.”

Fr. Manny Suarez of the diocese of Cubao said the event was in celebration of “the youth as a gift to the world.”

Suarez told the young audience “the Church needs you” and that they should “learn from where we (the Catholic Church) have failed.”

Former ambassador to Rome Henrietta T. de Villa told stories of faith. She recalled the WYD celebration here in 1995 and her encounters with Blessed John Paul II in Rome.

De Villa reiterated the message of the former Pope “to preserve, promote and defend the Filipinos’ richness of faith and closeness of family.” Although “the faith of the young people is in crisis,, she said “your presence here means the youth’s faith is very much alive.”

Highlight of the event was the message of Pope Benedict XVI. He told the young people that “faith does not run counter to your highest ideals; on the contrary, it elevates and perfects those ideals.”

The pontiff said, “Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than truth and love. Do not be content with anything less than Christ.”

He thanked the youths “for your joy and your resistance. Your strength is greater than the rain. With rain the Lord has sent us many blessings. In this also, you are an example.

“We have lived together an adventure. Strengthened by your faith in Christ, you have resisted the rain… I thank you for the sacrifice that you are making and I have no doubt that you will offer it generously to the Lord.”