Sin: In unity there is strength; face the future with hope

Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin yesterday exhorted the more than 10,000 youths from Metro Manila and neighboring dioceses on the value of communion and unity within the family.

‘You are called to bigkis, to gather and bundle together. In unity there is strength. In unity, you will face the future with hope. In unity, you will see Jesus Christ," Sin told the youth gathered at the Folks Art Theater Saturday night until yesterday morning for the biggest gathering of the youth this year, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Sin, in his message delivered on video, said Bigkis Youth Festival is a good opportunity to remind the young people of the value of communion and unity.

"Sad to say, we are confronted today with so many break-ups," said Sin, considered as the most influential leader of the Catholic Church. Sin pointed out the disintegrating tradition. He said relationships fall apart and marriages split up.

"Families are torn apart. There is that big temptation for everything to break down," he further said.

He cited the enthusiasm and joy shown by the youth as a sure sign of love for the Lord and desire to serve him in the Church and in your brothers and sisters.

"Your joyful faces gives me the confidence that our Church has a bright future in the third millennium. Especially now that the Holy Father calls this millennium the Asian millennium, so much more is expected from you," he added.

The Youth Festival was in preparation for the Fourth World Meeting of Families, which will be held in Manila on January 2003.

Sin expressed hope that "the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, who loves the youth so much, will come and celebrate with us. It will be like World Youth 1995 again!" he further said.

Meanwhile, for 12 hours, which started 6 p.m. on Saturday till 6 a.m. yesterday several youths gathered at the Folk Arts Theater and affirmed the beauty of family life. They also confronted their family issues and concerns through prayers, reflections, talks, music, dance and inspirations.

The "Bigkis Youth Festival 2002" centered on the theme – Bigkis Puso: Kabataan at Pamilya. Patterned after the historical World Youth Day 1995 gathering in Luneta, the young people once again gathered in one place, to stay and patiently wait for the encounter in the evening that would be the starting point of another journey towards making a choice, renewal, celebration and deepening of family ties.

The program of the event was divided into three parts. The first part: "Kilalanin ang Bigkis (Know and Understand Bigkis)" tackles family issues and brokeness. The second part: "Tanggapin ang Bigkis" or "Walang Iwanan" (Listen and Accept Bigkis) reflects on the choice to be with a family. The third part: Buhayin ang Bigkis (Live and Share Bigkis as a Mission) centers on family healing and nourishment.