By Leslie Ann Aquino
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines considers the youth as "catalysts of change."
(MANILA BULLETIN)
As catalysts of change, the CBCP said they long to see that change for a better world and society, for a renewed Church.
"Reach out to the peripheries to bring Jesus and his message of salvation to the lost, the least and the last, to other young people like you who wait to be attended to, to be embraced, and to be cared for," the CBCP said in its pastoral letter for the 2019 Year of the Youth.
This, the bishops said in the face of so many problems and difficulties that we encounter that affect one's spirituality, families, social relationships and communities, as well as the various personal and socio-cultural concerns.
The CBCP mentioned depression, suicide, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, access to education, child labor, human trafficking as some of them.
"We look at you our young people, so full of dynamism, as disciples sent on a mission to make disciples of Jesus. We pray that your discernment, choices and actions will lead you to a purposeful life, with the Spirit of the Risen Christ directing your steps in making and leaving a marked difference in the world and society," it further read.
In the letter dated December 2, the CBCP led by its president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles also asked the youth to awaken the shepherds in their elders.
"Awaken the shepherd in us your elders, and rekindle the fire of faith, hope and love in our hearts so that together we can journey and minister with you, as you serve your fellow youth and the Church," it read.
The CBCP has dedicated 2019 as the Year of the Youth — a part of its “nine-year journey for the new evangelization”.
The occasion will officially open this year on Dec. 2, the first Sunday of Advent, and will close on Nov. 24, 2019, the feast of Christ the King.
The yearlong celebration will reflect on the theme “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered”.
It was in 2013, when the CBCP launched a 9-year journey to 2021, the 5th centenary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, with a different theme each year.
oney and funds,” she ended.
po nating kakalimutan na ang mga tauhan ng COMELEC ay mga manggagawa ring may taglay na mga karapatan. Unang-una na rito ang karapatan sa sapat at makatarungang pasahod (Let us not forget that Comelec employees are also workers who have specific rights. Foremost is their right to adequate and just compensation),” the detained senator stressed.
“Umaasa ako na itong SB 2082 ay maisasabatas na sa lalong madaling panahon (With this, I am hoping for the passage of SB No. 2082 at the soonest time possible),” de Lima said.