Malolos' Outstanding Youth Conferred
with Blessed Pedro Calungsod Award
Some 59 outstanding young people in the diocese of Malolos were conferred with Blessed Pedro Calungsod Award during the Diocesan Youth Big Day last December 10.
The diocesan commission on youth which organized the affair anticipated that this year’s celebration would bring young people to a renewed living of their Christian faith, to stand firm and strong in the pursuit of transforming society following the footsteps of the Lord.
Awards were given by Fr. Angelito Santiago, the diocesan youth director and Fr. Boyet Atienza.
Awardees were DCY volunteers, young professional and youth ministers from the 10 vicariates of the diocese.
Vicariate of St. Didacus of Alcala (Valenzuela): Paul Bryan P. Barnacea, Mark Lester E. Risma, Kim Albert C. Grabillo, Maricris A. Bacong, Delo D. Monterde, Randolf J. Yabut, Roxanne L. Asis, Angelo N. Buhay and Danny Bernadas.
Vicariate of St. Francis of Assisi (Meycauayan): Dominic Jay P. Roberto, Ralph Irvin DR. Ramos, Raffy R. Montalban, Angelo Y. Caburnay, Marydel M. de Jesus, Mark Saavedra, and Glenn Christian A. Encarnado.
Vicariate of St. Joseph the Worker (San Jose del Monte): Maria Rosario Corazon D. Sia, Princess Jackie R. Mata, and Edralyn Mabesa.
Vicariate of Immaculate Conception (Sta. Maria): Cris B. Gonzales, Jayson T. dela Cruz, Lourdes M. Bartolome, Roby Ramos and Kimberly V. Aseñas.
Vicariate of St. Martin of Tours (Bocaue): Reuben P. de Guzman and Lambert Michael I. Resurreccion.
Vicariate of St. Michael the Archangel (San Miguel): Raymart Espiritu, Angela T. Juan, Carlo Zadie delos Santos, Caithlin B. Gonzales, and Ralph Michael G. Omaña.
Vicariate of San Augustine (Baliuag): Ferdinand Guansing, Arriane S. Garcia, Kateina Mari Ann U. Martin, Eugene L. Gonzales, Robelle C. Abaquita, Darwin I. Placido, Joman S. Juan, Elchie Guevarra, Arjay R. Javier and Rowell B. de Sotto.
Vicariate of St. James the Apostle (Plaridel): Leomar Cordero, Rochelle Jose and Crispin Manalo.
Vicariate of St. Anne (Hagonoy): Jhonny C. Clemente, Rene Rose P. de Jesus, Melissa del Rosario and Vann Joseph B. Ibasco.
Vicariate of Immaculate Conception (Malolos): Cherie Rose C. Rubiano, Joanne Mica B. Cruz, and Han Benzen R. Buenaventura.
DCY volunteers, young professionals and youth ministers: Abner Cruz, Sta. Monica Parish, Former VCY Chairman-Vicariate of Baliuag, Joseph Sebastian, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, VCY Chairman-Vicariate of Hagonoy, Conrado de Castro, St. John the Baptist Parish, DCY Volunteer, Carlito Villanueva Jr., Sto. Rosario Parish, DCY Volunteer, Jerone Carlo Labausa, St. John the Baptish Hagonoy, DCY Volunteer-Music Ministry, Elimark Cruz, (DYP) Diocesan Young Professionals Member, Jan Robin Rodriguez, Youth Minister, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Mary Grace Principe, Sto. Cristo and St. Andrew Kim Taegon Parish Bocaue, Former DCY Staff.
Aside from the Blessed Pedro Calungsod awards, the diocesan youth big day ended with the youth jam 3. (Jandel Posion/Narwin Gonzales)
Source: http://youthpinoy.blogspot.com/2011/12/malolos-outstanding-youth-conferred.html
Newly installed
Manila Archbishop inspires youth
MANILA, Dec. 13, 2011—The installation of Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, a former Chief Squire and K of C Supreme Council Scholar, as the 32nd Manila Archbishop serves as an inspiration to the young ones, most especially to the Columbian Squires, the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) in the country to produce more youth leaders who will serve fellow Filipinos and the nation.
“…we are very proud of him (Archbishop Tagle). His installation on December 12, 2011 at the Manila Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila is a big challenge for us to develop more young Catholic men who will follow after his steps,” Luzon State Columbian Squires Chairman Jose Cuaresma said.
Cuaresma added there will be a Search for an Outstanding Columbian Squire in the Luzon State Jurisdiction in honor of the newly-installed Manila Archbishop.
Archbishop Tagle, a known theologian, was awarded a scholarship by the Supreme Council Headquarters in 1973. The latter gave him an amount of P2,000-a-year award for four years as recognition of his outstanding performance as a Columbian Squire.
The young Tagle was marked as the first K of C Supreme Council Scholar at San Jose Seminary in Quezon City and became a youth model as the Chief Squire of the Rajah Soliman Circle No. 2180 in Imus, Cavite.
On 13 October 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the successor of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales who retired after eight years of service in the country’s primal see. [KC News]
CBCP Year of the Youth Closing Materials
To echo the amazing National Youth Day 2011, the ECY and the FNYO prepared a formation program to bring the NYD experience to young people in the dioceses who were not able to attend the gathering. Download the NYD 2011 formation program here.
Youth ministry as an exciting and moving reality is celebrated and promoted during the Youth Ministry Awareness Week. Every year, it is celebrated from December 9 - 15, a week before the National Youth Day on December 16. This year, the YMAW is a bit more special with the CBCP - Year of the Youth drawing to a close. Download all the documents you need to celebrate it in your area:
YMAW Prayer Intentions for Each Day
We mark the closing of the CBCP - Year of the Youth together with one spirit, heart and one liturgy. Download the liturgy in English and Tagalog here.
Closing of the CBCP Year of the Youth (Dec 16, 2011) - English
Closing of the CBCP Year of the Youth (Dec 16, 2011) - English cover
Pagtatapos ng CBCP Taon ng Kabataan (Dec 16, 2011)
Source: http://youthpinoy.com/index.php/yp-downloads/290-cbcp-year-of-the-youth-closing-materials#en
Youth pledge to remain committed
in ministry after 'Year of the Youth'
LAOAG City, Dec. 13, 2011—Some 150 youth leaders from parishes and organizations in the Diocese of Laoag committed themselves to a more active youth ministry in their respective settings even after the celebration of the CBCP-Year of the Youth has ended.
The commitment was made by the youth leaders during the just concluded three-day Diocesan Youth Leaders Assembly (DYLA).
Convened by the Diocesan Youth Commission, the youth assembly on December 9 to 11was the third gathering held within the Year of the Youth.
The DYLA was first convened on December 10 to 12, 2010 at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Pasuquin to officially open CBCP-Year of the Youth (YOTY). It was considered to be the first call for youth councils to renew their ministry. The assembly served as a venue for parishes to report on the different activities they were doing.
The second youth assembly was held on May 7 and 8, 2011 in the same parish. In response to the diocesan pastoral assembly for the golden jubilee of the diocese, the youth leaders revisited the diocesan decrees on youth to create comprehensive implementing guidelines for youth ministry in the diocese.
The just concluded third DYLA, also held in the same parish was a time to present the fruits of DYLA I and II. It was also an occasion for the DYC to pass on the various learnings drawn from the Northern Luzon Regional Conference for Youth Ministers (NLRCYM) and from the National Youth Day.
The three-day activity was centered on the theme of CBCP-YOTY “Stand firm in the faith, do all your work in love.” It started with an advent recollection by Fr. Lester Menor, the diocesan youth director.
Sr. Darlen Pardillo, fdz shared how the young may become firm in the faith. She stressed that the young must always be “IBA” explaining that they must have “Identity, Bearing, Capability to Act.”
On the second day, Ms. Maila Sapinit, a Redemptorist lay missionary stressed to the young people that “being a Catholic youth leader is the noblest kind of leadership for you are volunteers.” You are doing all of this for the love of God, she said.
The DYC presented to the participants the Implementing Guidelines of the Decrees on Youth of the diocese on the last day of assembly.
The closing Mass was held at the Cathedral Parish of St. William presided by Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Noel Ian Rabago.
Msgr. Rabago told the faithful that youth ministry is a community effort and that it is not only limited to the DYC. He also challenged the youth leaders to continue their commitment even after the CBCP-YOTY has culminated.
The celebration of CBCP-YOTY will end on December 16, the National Youth Day in the Philippines. (Mark Vertido)
25 Youth Ministers Awarded
PASAY City, Nov. 19, 2011- Twenty Five youth ministers from all over the Philippines were awarded with the Blessed John Paul II youth ministry awards yesterday, Nov. 18 at the celebration of the Grand Festival Night of the National Youth Day in Cuneta Astrodome.
They, who have championed the youth and the youth ministry in the country were given the awards for their service, for being an inspiration and model for the next generation of Catholic youth leaders and ministers.
The awarding ceremony was dedicated for the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines that is celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary this year and declared the CBCP Year of the Youth.
The first batch of awardees were called “the pioneers” for they were the spark that led to the creation of Youth Ministries took place in their own particular fields.
Sr. Maria Victoria Artoz Del Rosario, OND, was the forefront in the Creation of the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference-Youth Council in 1985. She then became the Archdiocesan Youth Coordinator of Cotabato; Fr. Danilo Tolentino Imperial of the Archdiocese of Caceres, known to be the Father of Campus Ministry in Bicolandia. He was also one of the 5 person committee which proposed the ECY. Today, he serves as Program Director of Religion Education in Ateneo de Naga; Most Rev. Jose Crisologo Sorra, Bishop-emeritus of Legazpi, became the first Bishop-Chair of the Commission while Ordinary of the Diocese of Virac. It was his time when National Youth Day was instituted every 16th of December and Youth Councils were established in Dioceses. The Youth Encounter was born during his helm.
The next awardee is someone special for many have benefited from what he had done.
Msgr. Jose “Ping” Borja Molina of the Diocese of Virac is the Father of Youth Enounter.
The next awardees were two lay people who may look old, but their hearts burn for the young.
Jose Socito Tacorda, Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP). He is fondly called Bro. Joe or Tatay Joe, became the first Diocesan Youth Coordinator, and was responsible for the MOP to be recognized as part of regions of the ECY, and Maria Teresita Rita Elvina Nitorreda of the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines. She had served the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCAP) since the 50’s. She still continues today as the SCAP Executive Director.
“At this point, what can I say? I can say to God be the glory. This is very life giving to me. You see, I gave my age, 80-1… this isn’t a matter of age but service in the youth ministry is in the heart. It makes you live more, love more”, said Titatet (as she is commonly called) in her message after receiving the award.
“At first I refuse because I am not worthy for an award, but I was persuaded because this is for you. This is for the glory of God. This is inspiring to me. This should serve as force to move you forward and upward to serve God and country”, she added.
The next batch of awardees can be called “prime movers” for they were responsible in making the youth ministry move in their respective dioceses.
Most Rev. Leo Murphy Drona SDB, Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo. While Bishop of San Jose de Nueva Ecija, he became the second chair of the ECY. It was during his time when the biggest ever WYD delegation were sent; Fr. Jose Thor Rondillo Villacarlos, Diocese of San Pablo. His formation programs made him initiated the Diocesan Youth Coordinator from 2001-2008 and as QUEMARLABARO Regional Youth Director from 2004-2006; Ronnel Pineda Dela Cruz of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga. He was once the National Coordinator of SCAP, currently the Regional Youth Coordinator of Central Luzon while being the Executive Assistant at the Municipal Office in his hometown in Porac, Pampanga; Ellen Castillo Batisan, Diocese of Cabanatuan. She is notably a cancer survivor.
Other awardees are: Victoria Estoque Anghag, Archdiocese of Davao. The lady who had the prestigious award of Papal Award Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice during the celebration of Diamond Jubilee Year of the Archdiocese in 2009; Charlito Zamora Manlupig of the Archdiocese of Cotabato is the first leader of the MSPC Youth Council and today’s President of the Balay Group, an NGO’s based in Cagayan de Oro City; Fr. Laure Tipay Helar, Diocese of Ipil, the fourth priest awarded. His physical limitations never hindered him from ministering to the young. He formally organized the BALIAKAG (Batan-ong Lihok Alang sa Kaangayan ug Gugma/ Youth Movement Towards Justice and Love); Joel Torres Cruz, Archdiocese of Zamboanga. He is an “honorable kagawad” who in life was a model of Church and community leadership in his own city of Zamboanga.
Together with Danny Boy Ramos Villanueva, Diocese of Antipolo. A young man who just recently organized their on “parangal” for their outstanding youth ministers in his diocese. Once he took the role of Kristo in a cenakulo; Most Rev. Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, Prelature of Infanta. The third ECY chair was then affable Bishop of Malolos. During his time, he organized a regular national gathering of young people which now became the National Youth Day in 1998. It was in his term when National Catholic Filipino Youth Survey and the Kalakbay were made; Bro. Elmer Cobar Rodriguez, Salesians of Don Bosco. For many years, he was in charge of the Training Center, the out-of-school program of the Salesians giving hope to many poor youth. He established the Ampon, poor youth from the provinces who can avail of the 15-month technical course.
The next awardees are pillars of their dioceses in their own right.
Antonio Alex Ayo Manongdo, Apostolic Vicariate of Baguio. He is a multi-talented and an anti-drug advocate and radio announcer who founded the Brevarians in 1999 with the motto, “Bring Every Soul to Christ the King”. As a youth, he got lost in faith but today, he commits his life to the young so that the next generation will not experience what he had undergone; Freddie Hernandez Bernardino, Diocese of Antipolo. He is a diocesan youth coordinator who has a soft spot for children in conflict with the law. On top of that, he is a team member preparing young professionals to be firm in the faith in order to become missionaries; Nestornuevo Dubduban Lansin, Diocese of Surigao, is a head teacher whose forte on formation goes beyond the classroom. He has always been the adviser of the Diocesan Formation Team, organizing and facilitating programs for the youth; Rhoderick Gavero Hernandez, Archdiocese of Davao. He is a multi-awarded youth minister because of his involvement in pastoral advocacies relevant to Mindanao. He is a member of Operation Build-Up and Coordinator of Sagop Kinabuhi in his Archdiocese.
Salesian Society of St. John Bosco-Three of their confreres became National Youth Directors of the NSYA, while others serve as Regional Directors in the places were they were assigned. They opened their doors to national youth events like World Youth Day preparations, Taize in Manila and even during this National Youth Day. They have been running for seven years now the John Paul II Catechetics and Youth Ministry Conferences; Loreto Salvador San Juan, Student Catholic Actions of the Philippines. He is part of the organizing committee of this year’s NYD and of the Executive Team for this year’s double celebration. He is part of SCAP since high school days in Ramon Magsaysay High School. He rose his rank from leader to Executive Secretary; and Jessica Joy Vasquez Candelaria, Started back in her parish in Las Piñas when she was invited by her parish priest, got involved, fell in love with the ministry and has just stepped down as Executive Secretary of the Youth Desk of the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference’s Office of the Laity and Family.
In an interview with National Youth Commission Commissioner Asec. Earl Saavedra, one of the luminaries said that there were many criteria set to choose the awardees.
“First is the minister who initiated the best practices done in their parishes, not just practices but those that possess good initiative and that sustain. Another is that how many were affected by those practices. Finally is the involvement of the society.”
Asked why he accepted the invitation to be one of the judges he said that he had the passion to be in the youth ministry for he was a former seminarian.
“This activity should not be hindered for this is done by a non-payable organization. This awarding promotes a sense of volunteerism. Ideas, values and attitudes of an ideal youth that can serve as a model will be found in those awardees-those people who serve in the Church”, Saavedra said.
Saavedra also said that the youth minister must continue what they’ve started and become an instrument to be seen by the youth in serving the community and God.
Around 70 youth ministers from different parts of the country were nominated, then shortlisted to 25 by five luminaries who were invited to choose the awardees for the John Paul II National Youth Ministry Awards last Oct. 28.
The Recognition Committee was headed by Most Rev. Roberto Mallari, Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga. Other members of the committee were Bishop Gerardo Alminanza, Auxiliary Bishop of Jaro, Ambassador Henrietta “Tita” de Villa, Former Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See and presently the National Chairperson for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPC-RV), Commissioner Earl Saavedra, Commisioner for Mindanao of the National Youth Commission and the Vice President of the Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association, Mrs. Clarissa Geron-Riva. (Narwin Gonzales/Jandel Posion)
Source: http://youthpinoy.com/index.php/yp-latest/yp-news/252-25-youth-ministers-awarded#en
Christian Bautista commended
as ASEAN youth exemplar
MANILA, Dec. 10, 2011—Christian Bautista, a multi-awarded singer and actor received a plaque of commendation from the National Youth Commission after his rendition of some of his hit songs during the Farewell Ceremonies for the 38th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) held at Pier 13, South Harbor Port Area, Manila.
Bautista was commended for his exemplary contribution in the field of entertainment and the arts and for being a source of inspiration to the youth not only in the Philippines but in other Southeast Asian countries as well.
Commissioner Georgina Nava, who sponsored the resolution, read the citation that the singer-actor is one of the forty ASEAN youth under the creativity category who was featured in the “Young Southeast Asia: 40 Inspiring Youths,” an inspirational book that was released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The book highlighted the region’s most extraordinary young individuals who exemplify courage, compassion, commitment and creativity in their respective efforts to make valuable contribution to their communities.
Bautista was also cited for his exemplary creativity and dedication to hone his craft as one of the Philippines’ pride in the field of entertainment and the arts by being featured as the lead actor in the international film, “A Special Symphony”. An added feather to his cap is being one of the lead actors in the new pan-Asian television series, “Kitchen Musical”.
The singer–actor graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of the Philippines in Diliman and was a UP table tennis varsity team player during his college days.
Awarding took place before a huge crowd composed of the participating youth and national leaders of the 38th SSEAYP from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan; including host families, NYC officials and staff and other guests who were invited by the Embassy of Japan.
The SSEAYP is a youth goodwill cruise that seeks to promote goodwill and cultural understanding among the youth in the ASEAN Member States and Japan. It is sponsored by the Japan Cabinet Office in cooperation with the ASEAN governments. In the Philippines, the National Youth Commission implements the SSEAYP in partnership with the SSEAYP alumni and other government agencies and non government organizations. (Jandel Posion)
Give oneself to others
this Christmas, youth told
MANILA, Dec. 2, 2011—Anticipating the birth of Christ and celebrating Christmas should not only signal the season of receiving gifts, but also of giving oneself as gift to others.
This is what Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon urged the youth as he warned them from focusing entirely on parties, sales, gift-giving, travels and bonuses that abound this Christmas season.
Baylon, who chairs the Episcopal Commission on Youth, told young Catholics to deeply reflect on the meaning of Christmas, beyond the material extravagance attributed to the yearend holidays.
“Christmas is remembering the birth of Christ, who is God’s greatest gift to mankind. While we receive God’s gift in our lives, let us also receive His invitation to give ourselves as gift to others,” he said in an advent message to the youth.
The prelate urge the youth to consider the Advent season as the best way to be charitable—in giving service to the Church and to the community.
Baylon said it is also the season of God’s invitation for Catholics to “give ourselves to Him, to get to know Jesus: to befriend Him, and to take Him as a company in our journey in finding the meaning and happiness in life.”
“May your Christmas be merry not only because of the gifts you receive but also because you have also given yourself as a gift to God and to others,” he added. (YouthPinoy)
2011 is 'CBCP Year of the Youth'
MANILA, Dec 5, 2010-The first Mass of the traditional Misa de Galo or Simbang Gabi every December 16 marks the start of the special nine-day novena of Filipinos in preparation for Christmas Day.
But this year's first Simbang Gabi will be extra special especially for the Filipino youth since it will also usher in a year-long celebration of their significant contribution to the life and activity of the Church.
This as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will formally launch on that day the start of the "CBCP Year of the Youth," which is meant to dedicate the incoming year in generating efforts to raise awareness about the youth and promote the youth ministry.
The youth ministry offices of the regions and of the dioceses and youth organizations may adapt this prayer to suit their local contexts.
Aside from overlapping with the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi, the dawn of the "CBCP Year of the Youth" also coincides with the arrival of the relics of St. John Bosco, considered as the father and teacher of the youth, in the country.
According to CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), this visit of St. John Bosco's relics is a most fitting way to launch the "CBCP Year of the Youth" as it "highlights the spirit of the saint who has offered his life for the young."
ECY Chairman and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon said ushering in the New Year as "CBCP Year of the Youth" will be a double celebration for the Filipino Church since it will also concur with the 25th founding anniversary of ECY on July.
Incidentally, it will also cover the 26thWorld Youth Day (WYD) slated in Madrid, Spain come August.
"During this 'CBCP Year of the Youth,' let us together work to intensify awareness about the youth and their importance to the life and activity of the Church. By our witness, let us help the young in our midst-in our homes, schools, communities, etc.-to find God in their lives and generously answer His call to service and love," Baylon said.
"Let us pray that there may be wider participation and greater dedication in youth ministry, leading to a meaningful and fruitful service that is undertaken with the fullest attention and highest priority in every way by all in the Church," he added.
Baylon also urged other bishops to spearhead the diocesan level of observing the National Youth Day (NYD) on December 16 and the "CBCP Year of the Youth" thereafter.
In a letter dated November 18, 2010, Baylon urged those involved in youth ministry to echo out the ECY's NYD 2010 Formation Program, the Liturgy for the Eucharistic Celebration on December 16, and the ECY-composed Prayer for the Youth to the parochial and transparochial levels to reach the Filipino youth and their ministers.
After the observance of the National Youth Day in the diocesan levels this month, the year-long nationwide pilgrimage of the National Youth Cross will follow.
While members of the CBCP will convene for a workshop on Youth Ministry during their plenary assembly in January, youth ministers will have their retreats with ECY bishops as retreat masters from February to June.
There will also be a National Youth Coordinating Council 2011 meeting slated on April and the recognition of outstanding persons in the youth ministry will be simultaneously held until November.
After the ECY sends its delegation to the WYD in Spain by August, it will spearhead the celebration of the National Youth Day 2011 by October. A book on the youth ministry success stories will be launched come November, just before the "CBCP Year of the Youth" closes in December 2011.
But the youth ministry awareness campaign for the "CBCP Year of the Youth" will stretch until 2012 with the Congress of Youth Directors in January 2012 and the National Conference for Youth Ministers in October 2012. (Kris Bayos)
Source: http://www.coycebu.org/programs/cbcpyearoftheyouth.php