We explore the world of the young people. Let us listen to their language, their interests, their pains and hopes, their struggles and dreams.

The young want to be heard. “The young are called to make constant choices that give direction to their lives; they express the desire to be heard, recognized and accompanied. Many find that their voice is not considered interesting or useful in social and ecclesial circles. In some situations, little attention is paid to their cry, particularly the cry of the poor and the exploited - few older people are willing and able to listen to them (FD, 7).”

Young Adult from CBCP-ECY
Speaker

We reflect on Jesus, the Young Man. Let us read the lives of the young people today from the lens of the life of Jesus who also advanced in wisdom and age.

The Final Document of the Synod on Youth (no. 63) says, “A youth for youths, becoming an example to the young, and thus sanctifying them for the Lord” (Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses, II, 22, 4), Christ sanctified the stage of youth by the very fact that he lived it. The biblical narrative presents only one episode from Jesus’ youth (cf. Lk 2:41-52), which was spent without fuss, in simplicity and in the working environment of Nazareth, so much so that he was known as ‘the carpenter’ (Mk 6:3) and ‘the carpenter’s son’ (Mt 13:55).”

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, D.D., Bishop of Caloocan
Speaker

So many people are leaving the Church or are greatly hurt because of the clergy abuses and scandals. With humility and accountability, what can the Church in the Philippines do to address this revolting malaise that afflict our ecclesial communities? How do we bring hope and healing to the wounded?

Sean-Patrick Lovett, Vatican Media Professional and Communications Consultant
Speaker

We listen to the stories of people who have suffered and endured unspeakable pains. We listen to their cries and how they have journeyed to wholeness and new life.

Fr. Angel Cortez, OFM and Sr. Crisvie Happy Montecillo, DSA
Facilitator

Let us bring to the Lord our realizations and awakenings. Let us be strengthened by the mercy and compassion of Jesus. Let us confess our sins and be forgiven.

We listen to the joys and pains, anxieties and hopes of the young people. Through a conversation with Cardinal Chito the youth are given the chance to express themselves and be heard without judgment or condescension.

We witness how the young people find voice in their movements and gifts. We explore their world through their language of the arts and drama. We share in their struggles to be understood and find their place in the world and in the Church.

Dulaang Tobias
Presenter

1. MENTAL HEALTH – Macy Lee (Talang Dalisay Foundation)
2. DIGITAL/GLOBAL: Richy Orozco (Catholic Connect)
3. INDONESIA: Anastasia Indrawan (Member of the Youth Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference)
4. Vietnam: JOSEPH CAO HUU MINH TRI (Youth in Business, Saigon Catholic Youth Ministry)

We listen to the experiences of the youth ministers and their youth disciples. We explore the best practices of youth ministry in different contexts. We pose a challenge to all members of the Church, “Are we youth ready?”

The young people have been clamoring for a Church that is welcoming and a clergy and consecrated persons that are willing to listen and journey with them. But time and again, the young people get frustrated because their pastors and elders cannot “walk their talk”. What needs to be done to consider this as a serious “shout out” from them and how can it be done effectively? The title is adapted from Patricia Hendricks, Hungry Souls, Holy Companions: Mentoring a New Generation of Christians.