Salesian Youth in Cebu

Together with the Diocese, forging a path for the next 500 years

By Ms. Ofelia Aljade Ramos

The seed of faith was planted when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the Philippine soil. Five hundred years later, that same seed has matured and has been integrated within the myriad Filipino practices. With the desire to look back and appreciate the gift of faith and to strengthen our conviction and commitment of our duty and mission to share this faith, the Archdiocese of Cebu inaugurated the year-long celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity on the 4th day of April 2021, with the theme “Gifted to Give.” In response to the call to share our giftedness, and to the needs of the developing generation, the

Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu, headed by Rev. Fr. Andrei R. Ventanilla, held its

Archdiocesan Youth Congress (AYC) last May 14-16, 2021, at St. Francis Seraph Retreat House, Maghaway,

Talisay City, Cebu, with the theme, “Synodality: Gifted to Give.” The three-day Congress was participated by select members of the Cebu Diocesan Youth Coordinating

Council, leaders from the seven ecclesiastical districts, representatives from the Family of United and

Empowered Leaders (FUEL), and ministers from the

Archdiocesan Campus Ministry. A good number of these were representatives from the Salesian Youth

Movement, some of whom became offi cers in the

Diocesan Youth Council.

Th e success of the AYC is proof that despite the diff erent circumstances we Filipinos experienced during the previous years, the seed of faith that was planted 500 years ago has been deeply rooted, that not even the waves of the pandemic can uproot our faith from us.

The Congress aimed to reform the constitution and by-laws of the Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu, 13 years after its last printed amendment, and make the structure of the commission to be more synodal and inclusive for the young people of the Archdiocese.

In preparation for the Congress, a team from the AYC working committee went to diff erent parishes, from the northernmost part to the southernmost part of the province, to give orientations and gather suggestions and proposals. Consultations were made with a legal counsel, and meetings were set with the youth directors before the fi nal working document was printed and distributed to the participants of the Congress. The fi nal working document was then used for the Congress for deliberations.

After three days of debates, discussions, arguments, and of course, prayers, the body came up with the 2021 Constitution of the Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu, this fruit of labor and love is our gift to the Archdiocese in line with the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines, with the hope to make the future a better place for the young people. The said constitution is expected to be promulgated before the end of the year, and a team will be formed to discuss the constitution to the youth.

The success of the AYC is proof that despite the diff erent circumstances we Filipinos experienced during the previous years, the seed of faith that was planted 500 years ago has been deeply rooted, that not even the waves of the pandemic can uproot our faith from us.

Even amidst the pandemic, Pope Francis reminds us to renew our enthusiasm for evangelization, reach out to others, and bring them hope and joy of the gospel. This quincentennial celebration not only reminds us to pray in thanksgiving for the gift of the Catholic Faith for the past 500 years, but we also look forward to the next 500 years to come.