“YOUTH ON THE MOVE… BE MORE!” – DAY 1, A.M., Feb. 13:The National Youth Assembly

The first day of the NYA, the participants woke up in time to get ready for breakfast at the Canteen at 6:30 a.m., after which they were ready for the Welcome Ceremonies at the Auditorium by 7:50 a.m. Sir Alester Carreon greeted them in Cebuano, Ilonggo, and Tagalog, giving the assembly time to applaud each delegation. After some friendly reminders, the Opening Prayer was led by Manresa School student animators, beginning with some words of Pope Francis to the youth last January and followed by an interpretative dance with the song “We Are All God’s Children”. Then the assembly rose to sing the National Anthem. This was followed by a welcome dance, again from Manresa.

            Sir Alester then introduced Sr. Emelinda C. Falsis, F.I. (RCA of Manresa School), who gave the Keynote Address focusing on the three words Youth, Move and More. She acknowledged the importance that the F.I. Congregation gives to the youth, and encouraged them to move out of themselves and be other-centered. She also challenged them to be more passionate for the poor, more active in Church activities, and more Christ-like.

            By 8:20 a.m., Fr. Anthony Nguyen, SDB, Vice Dean of the Institute of Theological Formation at the Don Bosco Center of Studies, Parañaque, delivered the first talk, “Realities of the Youth”. He compared the Filipino youth of ten years ago with the young people of today, highlighting some of the challenges they currently face. At the same time, he emphasized that every young person has the potential to become someone great and to make a meaningful contribution to society. Through engaging video clips that captured the attention of the young participants, he invited them to pause, reflect, and consider the following questions:

-What adjective do you want to add before your name as a student?

-Have you ever thought of becoming a saint?

– Have you ever thought of God as a loving Father?

He discussed the influence of social media on young people today, leading them away from the proper use of time and exposing them to unhealthy sexual practices and attitudes. With concrete statistical data, he compared the amount of time they spend weekly on the Internet and social media, as opposed to the minimal time they spend for God (as in Sunday Mass), for family, and for studies. He stressed that there are only 24 hours in a day and the way they choose to spend their time determines whether they will realize their potential to become someone great in the future. He led them to affirm that the really great One is Jesus.  He pointed out the “idols” that the youth of today worship and urged them to reflect on their being a gift of God and to take time to acknowledge it. He asked them, “In your daily life, if you have a choice to make, will God have a chance to be chosen?” He urged them to face life and its challenges with a great heart, with God, and with good friends, leaving them with these words, “Open your hearts to Jesus! You lose nothing but gain everything.”

            Fr. Anthony’s talk was followed by Journal Writing and Group Sharing, after which Ms. Imee Solivet (CLE coordinator, MS Elem. Dept.) gave a synthesis of Fr. Anthony’s talk. Sir Ranniel Paabot and Ms. Monette Gajardo surprised the assembly by acknowledging the values of patient waiting, warmth, hospitality, and consideration that had been shown by groups of delegates, and announced that Kapatid sa Kapwa awards were being given to Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Iloilo, and Stella Maris Academy of Davao City. After the awarding, the assembly took a half-hour break.

Then the second talk, “Realities of the Church”, was given by Sr. Leoly Quitorio, F.I. She engaged the participants by asking them to sing “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” led by Sir Benny Castellon (CHJ, Iloilo) and then by asking them questions about the presence of the youth in their local Churches. She urged them to be signs of hope for the Church, the country, and all humanity. She asked some students to share briefly about their experiences during the papal visit, highlighting “the Pope Francis effect”. The assembly also danced to the song “We Are All God’s Children”. She echoed the challenges of Pope Francis to the Filipino youth at the University of Santo Tomas, and asked them whether they were ready to say “Yes” to these challenges. The participants answered enthusiastically. She then asked them to paste their answers in the manila paper to symbolize their desires and participation in the Church. Sir Omar de Asis from Manresa School then gave a synthesis of the talk, giving the delegates the following questions for reflection.

• In your own reality, in your own church, in what concrete ways are the youth present in and collaborate in the Church’s mission?

*In what ways can you actively participate in your local church?

• How can you motivate others to be more involved in the Church?

The delegates then proceeded to the usual journal-writing and group sharing.

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