Naga City hosts world youth day

CEBU, Philippines - Naga City may likely go back to being a mere town again, but this does not affect its hosting of the 24th Local World Youth Day.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said they have to put aside the problems that they have right now and concentrate on the current tasks they have.

This as more than 3,000 young people from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Cebu and the neighboring provinces participated in the four-day annual gathering of youth that kicked off the other day in this city.

Last Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a decision denying the motion for reconsideration of Naga, along with the other 15 new cities in the country, asking the High Tribunal to reverse its November 2008 decision voiding their cityhood.

The affected cities have however vowed to file another motion for reconsideration.

Meanwhile, Chiong said the province has augmented their policemen for the duration of the Local World Youth Day to ensure the peace and order while the young participants are attending the various activities in venues provided for the event.

The activities include the commemoration of Beato Pedro Calungsod; the enthronement of the LWYD Cross; Holy Masses, parish and community immersion, Via Crucis, confession and dialogue with Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

Yesterday, the participants gathered at the Naga Sports Complex for the “pro-life” forum.

Bro. Junjie Navales Cruz, provincial deputy of Knights of Columbus-Cebu Central, explained that the forum was especially included in the itinerary for the young generation to be aware of the “pro-life position of the Catholic church.”

“The forum is to guide them in making intelligent and moral decisions on matters concerning sanctity of Life and of the family, in the light of attempts to pass House Bill 5043 or the Reproductive Health Bill which the Church believes is anti-life and anti-family legislative measure,” said Cruz.

“The forum is significant for the young people to exchange views and clarify issues on family life and for them to understand the Church’s staunch opposition to the controversial RH bill, amidst reports that some student groups are supporting the bill’s passage,” he added.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, country director of Human Life International, was the forum’s resource speaker.

The LWYD will culminate tomorrow, a Palm Sunday, with a Pontifical Mass and blessing of palms with the Cardinal Vidal as the main celebrant. – Liv G. Campo/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)