A young Filipino priest encouraged the youth to enjoy their youth while following the Lord's guidance in light of his first-ever World Youth Day experience.
Father Francis Joel Cruz, one of the delegates from the Philippines from the Diocese of Malolos, said that young Catholics should focus on living their lives to the fullest as they grow in the Catholic faith.
"Enjoy being young!" he said. "There are many things [that] await in your journey as you mature. However, as you enjoy your life, never forget that Jesus also journeys with you. He is there to guide you not to tread the wrong path."
Father Cruz considers this World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, a "wake-up call" for the Church that every young person matters.
"They have the voice to speak up and be heard," the priest said. "They are part of the Church and the entire society, and thus, must not be neglected."
In his Facebook posts, Father Cruz shared his various encounters with the youth of different races and cultures during this gathering. He also heard confessions from some of them on the third day of the week-long event.
"These experiences give me inspiration all the more to be the instrument of God in shepherding the faithful, especially the least, the last, and the lost," he said.
A young priest himself, Father Cruz, was ordained in 2021. At present, he serves as the youth chairman of one of his diocese’s vicariates.
According to the priest, he believes that shepherding the youth is not reserved for newly ordained clergymen like him.
"Youth ministry is for all priests," Father Cruz stated. "A priest must not dislike ministering to the youth since they are also part of God’s flock. They need us priests. They need someone who could direct and guide their lives."
"Priests like me should understand the young people where they are coming from. Don’t simply scold them. They are also going through some struggles—depression, family problems, and more,’" he also said.
Father Cruz is joined by five more delegates from the Diocese of Malolos on World Youth Day: two other priests and three laypeople.
This event, which is considered the biggest gathering of young people in the world, will end on August 6, with Pope Francis celebrating the Closing Mass.- Luke Godoy
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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