"If we think of the youth, we think of the future."
These were the words of Fr. Jose Alex Serania, Parish Priest of the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, during his Homily.
The mass was the initiation of the celebration of the Parish's 1st Anniversary of their Youth Mass, which was initiated on December 12, 2010. The youth mass is a service of the Catholic Church to the youth.
"Real joy can only be attained if we reconcile with God."
- Fr. Alex Serania
Indeed, joy sprang from the hearts of those who were present, savoring the the youthness of the moment. Where all faces were pictures of contentment and hope.
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| peace be with you |
The second part of the celebration, in the afternoon, was a recollection. It was a mixture of talents, reminiscing, meditations and inspirations.
The closing song was an animation of the CBCP Year of the Youth Theme Song "Make A Stand", where everybody, both the young and the olds, and of course the ever energetic Fr. Alex Serania, danced like it was just yesterday.
Happy ending. Well, a great beginning.
Next in line was a total showcase of young talents in the "Talentadong Parokyano" that displayed an awesome enthusiasm of the youth-- the smiles, the laughters and the camaraderie that painted a world full of lasting and meaningful pride.
In the evening, both young and young at hearts stood up from their seats and jumped, sung and heralded at the "Praise Jam"-- a mini concert of praises to our dear God.
The day id over, but the journey continues....
Now, let me tell you my personal encounter.
A new friend of mine, a co-member at the Commission of Jaro Achdiocese in Youth Apostolate (CJAYA), Rae Rae told me after the CJAYA monthly meeting at the Archbishop's Palace in Jaro that the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Youth Ministry will be holding it's 1st Anniversary of their Youth Mass the next day and invited me to come and witness.
I was hesistant at first because there was an important matter that have to be attended on that very day. But, something made me come, nonetheless. Maybe of good riddance.
We came just in time for the mass. Ushering us were ladies- pretty ladies- in red shirts with "Youth Ministry" letterings printed on them. There were lots of red shirts, telling us who were and who were not members of the Ministry.
The smiles were reliefs from the long, bumpy drive from the highways.
It was a meaningful moment. Fr. Alex once said during his Homily, "It will always be a journey towards God."
And my journey began. A journey of joy-- a sweet secret unfolding in my very eyes... and heart... and soul.
As the mass goes on, I randomly glanced at the faces of the people in red shirts. There was one common sight-- this fellowship is a community without strangers.
Yes, in the silence of my moment, my soul was filled with belongingness. Even if I was new there, these people let me feel like I was one of them. A silent solace of acceptance. A feeling so rare that it was almost an early Christmas gift laid upon my table.
And my decision to come, to witness was undeniably perfect!
During the Recollection, which followed the Mass between noon break, inspirations flooded the atmosphere, giving me the passage back to when I was just starting to become an ordinary youth ministry member-- the time of knocking to the door of hope and belonging.
Every minute, as I spend them in a corner, watching them celebrating, I could not help myself to think that somehow, in this crazy, dubious planet, a community, a small group of young souls, is trying to build a world free of despise, loathe, egotism, procrastinations, negations and ill pride. Creating a sphere, a universe within themselves, of hope, love, sweet pride, and standing firm in their faith, which tells me, "Hey, this is something to be proud of." An inspiration to be mirrored by those minds that were lost in the glitters of prestige, fame, titles, positions and political greatness.
This Youth Ministry should be a sole example of what a church should be. Of what a Youth Ministry must be. Of what a world should be. A society that cares more to those who are just trying to get through their lives. A church not of complex laws but of simple yet pleasant understanding of the welfare of the Youth.
There. What more can I say?
Really, the experience was a one-time shot to solace. Glad I was able to come.
Thank you Fr. Alex for such great Youth Ministry. Thank you Ma. Elena, the youth coordinator, Kate, the ever miss congeniality, and Bambi or Realyn (tama ba spelling ko, hehe, and salamat samatamis na ngiti) for such muy bien time with you!
I wish good luck to your Ministry. Sana magtagal at huwag mabuwag. Always be good friends to your brother and sisters. Don't stop caring for each other. Don't stop inspiring people. Stay together and make the fire bigger. Capitalized in the power you have in numbers.
Whatever happens, anumang pagsubok, wag kayong bumitaw. Don't give up. Be strong. Stand firm in the faith.
