NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DAYS DELEGATE (DECEMBER 2-4 2011)
YOUTH ANIMATOR, DON BOSCO - PASIL
The said Assembly was formally
opened by an opening mass at the New Gym of DBTC and it was presided by
Archbishop Jose Palma. Mostly the students of DBTC filled the gym and there
were also young people from the nearby schools and parishes. Before it ended,
the animators of DB-Pasil danced the theme song of CBCP year of the youth,
“Make A Stand”. Afterwards, there was a youth forum entitled – “Love Rocks”
which was handled by the Episcopal Commission on Youth. The participants
actively participated in the discussions. Some asked questions directed at the
guest speakers, who honestly shared their experiences. After the guest speakers
shared their experiences, all participants were assigned in groups and they
shared their insights and realizations on the given questions. Before the night
ended, there was a Youth Jam prepared by the youth of DB- Lourdes. There were
bands making pleasant sounds to our ears - youth nowadays really love these
kinds of entertainment. Unfortunately, one of the participants met an accident.
He sprained his arm and was brought to the hospital for further check-up.
The next day, the National Finals
for the Bosco Quiz Bee was held. There were 2 categories- A (High School) and
B(Elementary). In the category A, there were 5 contestants from different
settings including DB- Pasil, while in category B, there were just 2
contestants. In category A, the first place and second place went to DB- Makati
while in category B, DB – Caritas Don Bosco brought home the bacon. After a few
hours, the participants gathered at the AVR for the talk of Fr. Mario Baclig,
SDB. He talked about the nature and importance of youth groups as components of
the SYM. He also shared the life cycle of a youth group. To sum up his talk, he
gave 3 main topics/ ideas -“TODAY’S YOUTH IN TODAY’S WORLD”, “YOUTH GROUPS IN
TODAY’S WORLD” and “YOUTH GROUPS IN SALESIAN MINISTRY”. After this, the
participants had their workshops that were divided by sodalities/ associations
and federations. After the workshops, 2 masses were held, one was in the AVR,
which was headed by Fr. Allen Elevado, SDB, while the other one was held at the
chapel presided by Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB. Dinner followed, and after dinner, a fellowship
program took place wherein the different Don Bosco settings showcased their
talents. After the program, everyone was asked to prepare themselves for the
rosary as a fitting conclusion for a day full of work and fun.
The following day, everyone gathered
at the AVR for the concluding Mass. The organizers acknowledged the efforts of
the different committees and they also gave certificates for the different
settings in participating this event most especially to those who volunteered
themselves. Furthermore, it was followed by an awarding ceremony for the
winners of the Bosco Quiz Bee. There was also a handover ceremony for the South
Province/ SYM FIS as the new Secretariat of the SYM. After the mass, the
participants began to bid goodbye to each other as they will be going back to
their respective places. By bidding goodbye and going back to their settings, it
is now time for them to apply what they have learned in the said event. And
that’s the hardest challenge for each participant - that they will continue to
strive and journey towards life with the Lord and that hopefully it will bear
fruit… fruit that will last.