“O youth! You ask me what you can do? You can conquer the world, no more, no less.” These words of St. Pedro Poveda addressed to young people started an insightful and inspiring conversation with Gregoria A. Ruiz, the President of the Teresian Association and Lucia S. Subaldo, Sector Director of the Teresian Association in the Philippines, on the mission of the young people in the Church and the challenges they encounter in a society influenced by globalization and social media.
Empowered to minister
As part of her visit in Davao City, Philippines, Gregoria A. Ruiz met with the parish youth leaders of San Pedro Poveda Parish and the members of the Teresian Association Youth and Vocation Ministry on January 14, 2025 at Institucion Teresiana de Educacion y Cultura, Inc. (Saint Pedro Poveda College), the Teresian Association school in Davao City. She shared to the group the vision of St. Pedro Poveda of lay people working in the world who witness to a life of following Jesus right where they are and making a difference in the lives of those whom they come in contact with. In her sharing, she gave emphasis on the importance of the presence of young people in the Teresian Association who are well-formed and empowered to minister to their fellow youth.
In their responses to the invitation to collaborate with the Teresian Association in its walking with and accompanying the youth, the parish youth leaders expressed their aspirations, consolations and challenges being in the parish youth ministry.
Leslie Ann Carin, the San Pedro Poveda Parish Youth Leader, acknowledged the help of the Teresian Association in the formation of the parish youth which equipped them with the skills and increased their confidence in animating the youth groups of the 24 Basic Ecclessial Communities in the parish.
Thea Marie Piccio, the Music Ministry Coordinator of the parish, shared that the youth’s involvement in the various ministries helped them discover that their gifts and talents can lead them closer to God and deepen their faith.
Elisha Faith Suribas and Crizia Faye Abrigana were encouraged to join the parish youth apostolate and later on, their chosen ministry because they were inspired by the dedication, commitment and the passion to serve that they witnessed from their fellow youth.
Challenges
The parish youth leaders also acknowledged that in the process of their involvement in the various ministries in the church, they struggle to sustain their commitment and face the challenge of bringing their fellow youth to the church because of the influence of social media and the allure of globalization.
However, Jinelo Pepito said that despite all these challenges, they continue to marvel and find strength in God’s surprises and fidelity. They strongly believe that when God calls us, He sends us instruments to help us see where He wants us to go.
Moved by the stories of these passionate youth leaders, Gregoria Ruiz and the members of the Teresian Association Youth and Vocation Ministry offered them accompaniment through regular formation sessions and life direction encounters which they welcomed with excitement and openness.
With hopeful hearts, we join Pope Francis in urging the youth to, “Give yourselves over to the best of life. Open the door of the cage, go out and fly! (Christus Vivit, 143)”.
Jelorie S. Peroja, Davao City, Philippines.
Published in News