CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma on Wednesday called on 12,000 youth pilgrims to journey with Christ and find strength to face life’s troubles in the Holy Eucharist.
“Sometimes we’re weighed down, crushed, hopes dashed, dreams unrealized. Know that Jesus journeys with us. All we need is to listen to the kerygma and also to go back to the strength that comes from the Eucharist,” he said during the opening Mass of the National Youth Day at the Santo Niño Basilica in Cebu.
Palma said the “kerygma” was Jesus’s way of love through suffering to save mankind.
“There is a longing in our heart to know more the story of salvation. There’s the longing in our human heart for things beyond what the world can give. The one who could satiate our longings and hunger – only Jesus, only God,” he said.
The archbishop urged the youth to use the time to reconnect with Jesus and the Blessed Mother.
“When we go back, we know we are blessed by the Lord. We know we would have him by the spirit of Mary. The thought that we are indeed loved, blessed and empowered so that we can reach out, to the fellow young people like you,” he added.
A solemn procession from the Cebu City Sports Complex to the basilica was held before the Mass.
This year’s National Youth Day will be from April 23 to 28. Activities include staying with foster families and parishes, and youth festivals. with reports from Malic U. Cotongan
