POPE Francis’ meeting with the youth in Asia’s oldest university on Jan. 18 will be open to all, not just Thomasians.
Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines—Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY), said the gathering in the Pontifical University would be for the whole Church, especially Catholic youth.
“We are happy that UST accepted to be venue of this youth encounter. But this is not merely for Thomasians,” he told the Varsitarian. “This is open for everyone, but with special prioritization for the youth.”
The UST parade ground will however be reserved for pre-selected participants from youth ministries of dioceses across the nation, which the ECY will determine.
“Pre-selected youth will be given name plates or passes to be able to fill up the field. The remaining areas in UST will be open for all, including adults,” Jaucian said.
Aside from diocesan youth ministries, groups like the CFC-Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ, Christ’s Youth in Action, Student Catholic Action of the Philippines, and the Christian Life Community of the Philippines will also participate.
Meanwhile, the UST College of Science is looking for at least 720 volunteers to “act as crowd control and to man the human barricade within the premises of UST.”
Interested volunteers must be 18 years old and above and are bona fide students, faculty members, or support staff. Interested students should coordinate with the Student Welfare and Development Board of their respective colleges.
The Manila city government has declared a four-day holiday on Jan. 15 to 19, 2015, during Pope Francis’ stay in the country, to “ensure the Pope’s security,” especially during his visits to UST, Manila Cathedral, Quirino Grandstand, and the Apostolic Nunciature. A. M. S. Cantillana
