3,000 young Pinoys gather for National Youth Day

MANILA, Philippines - Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Tandag, Surigao del Sur Bishop Nereo Odchimar yesterday exhorted the youth that they should not forget God in their lives even if they aim for lofty goals.

“Yes, it is for us to dream and seek greater things but let us keep in mind that no matter how great they are, they will only make us dream to our despair until we find the one that our hearts only yearn for – it is in finding God that we also find all,” Odchimar told the more than 3,000 young Filipinos attending the National Youth Day (NYD) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Odchimar told the youthful believers that they should not forget the teachings of Jesus Christ and the message of Pope Benedict XVI.

He said that the NYD celebration is a reminder of Jesus Christ’s demand for the young people to live and establish a deeper relationship with Him.

“Jesus calls us to be firm in faith, to live by it no matter what the cost,” he said.

Odchimar also pointed out that history has narrated several stories of great men and women who have achieved great things in their lives even at a young age.

One example is the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, he said, who “opened our ignorance certainly during the glorious days of his youth.”

He also cited boxing champ Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao who received the highest recognition and achievement in boxing.

“In all of these, we can only ask what else is in store that our youth is not capable of achieving? Actually, there is nothing. Being young can only mean a hundred or even thousands of possibilities,” Odchimar said.

In an excerpt of his message during the 26th World Youth Day held last August, Pope Benedict said, “Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life and a secure job, a yearning for something really truly greater. Is this simply an empty dream that fades away as we become older? No! Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Nothing else will ever be enough.”

Odchimar explained that “seeking for something greater finds its fulfillment in finding God, who in the beginning plants this desire to seek his own Great Creator.”

Human beings aspire for a more meaningful life because they were created by God and bear His imprint, he said.

The Pontiff said, “God is life, and that is why every creature reaches out towards life. Because human beings are made in the image of God, we do this in a unique and special way. We reach out for love, joy and peace.”