Vidal: Gadgets distract, make youth ‘anti-social’

CEBU, Philippines - Distracted by technology, today's youth are being encouraged to follow the footsteps of San Pedro Calungsod and go out and mingle to instead of being glued to their gadgets and contented being alone.

 "Many distractions have bombarded the young people. While they are talking to their cellular phones, one ear is listening, the other ear is listening to their MP3; watch television with one eye and read the assignment with another eye, all at the same time," said Archbishop-Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

"Technology, if we are not careful in using it, can make us lazy and anti-social," he said, explaining that when he was still young, he always went outside the house to play with other kids.

He said that today's youth prefer not to socialize because they find enjoyment in their gadgets compared to the company and interaction with other youth.

"Happiness and enjoyment cannot be experienced all by ourselves; because true happiness is shared happiness," he said.

Vidal celebrated yesterday's 4 p.m. mass in honor of the 342nd Martyrdom Anniversary of San Pedro Calungsod at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod at the Cebu Archbishop's Residence Compound.

Earlier, during the 2 p.m. Mass, Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod Rector Ildebrando Jesus Leyson calls on everyone, including the youth, to follow the example of the first Visayan saint.

"Gidasig sa ka-obispohan sa Pilipinas ang magsunod sa panag-ingnan ni San Pedro Calungsod, aron kita mga Katoliko mahimong santos, mahimong mga bayani…. Kitang tanan gitawag sa pagkasantos sama ni (We are all called to become saints, become heroes. We are all called to be like) Pedro Calungsod," he said.

He encouraged everyone to become saints in their ways San Pedro Calungsod.

"Way bili kon kita dili mahimong mga santos sama kaniya busa magpasantos nga ugma damlag adunay maglinya diri sa altar aron mohawok sa inyong mga larawan," Leyson said.

San Pedro Calungsod was a migrant sacristan and missionary catechist, who was with Spanish Jesuit missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores in Guam to baptize a child.

The father's child Matapang, however, did not agree because of the belief that baptism can cause illness to the child, and persecuted San Vitores and Calungsod.

Among those who attended the mass was retired doctor Celsa Jumao-as, a devotee of the saint because of his "miracles."

"Nabut-an akong anak. Niya akong abaga nga sige og sakit bisa'g unsa nga tambal ang imnon kay naayo human akong giampo niya (My child became behaved.  My shoulder was so painful despite the medicines I was taking, until prayers to San Pedro Calungsod healed it),"  said Jumao-as, who went to Rome to personally witness the saint's canonization.

She agreed with Vidal's statement that the people of today sometimes forget the presence of God.

"Di man ta makahinumdum Niya kun dili ta tay-ogon. Kato bitaw paglinog ug pagbagyo niduko man tanan Niya  (We don't remember Him until we are tested. During the recent earthquake and super typhoon, all bowed before God)," she said.

Leyson said being a sinner is not a hindrance to becoming a saint because even San Pedro Calungsod was one, just like other people.

He reminded everyone to pray the Holy Rosary because it is the most powerful weapon against temptation. — (FREEMAN)