The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) has encouraged dioceses across the country to send representatives to the National Youth Day (NYD), set to take place from June 10 to 14, 2025.
The commission highlights that NYD 2025, set to take place in the Archdiocese of Caceres, specifically in the Pilgrim City of Naga, presents a meaningful opportunity to bring young people together and embark on a shared journey of faith and spiritual growth.
"It is our hope that the pilgrims will deepen their faith experience and fellowship with co-pilgrims," the CBCP-ECY stated.
The gathering also aims to promote a spirit of joy among youth rooted in faith and identity, to strengthen the youth to face any challenges ahead, and to raise awareness among young people so that, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, they may become discerning and active participants in addressing social issues.
The commission also aims for the youth to express and share meaningful reflections on current global concerns, in line with Pope Francis' call for the Jubilee Year 2025.
The theme of NYD 2025 is "Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer," taken from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 12, verse 12, emphasizing the importance of remaining hopeful and trusting in God despite challenges.
The youth gathering will also embody compassion and justice through discussions on social issues such as slavery, human trafficking, and inequalities in society, which lead to violations of human rights, mainly affecting Indigenous Peoples, the poor, and marginalized sectors.
The NYD 2025 logo reflects the resilience of the Bicolano community during Severe Tropical Storm Trami, that badly hit the region last October 2024.
This aims to highlight their enduring hope through prayers to the Lord and the guidance of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, despite the region's devastation.
The five-day event will feature a pilgrimage of youth to seven pilgrim churches in Naga, a translation procession, plenary formations, workshops, immersions, enthronement of the patroness of Bicolandia, “Pagmamanto” which means the ceremonial act of placing the Virgin Mary's cloak over the pilgrims as a form of blessing for them, and most importantly, the celebration of the Holy Masses.
Those interested in participating in NYD 2025 are encouraged to contact the CBCP-ECY directly or coordinate with the Commission on Youth offices in their respective dioceses for more details.
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