MANILA, Feb. 8, 2010— Some 3, 000 youth pilgrims from various countries renewed their commitment to taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth after five days of intensive meetings in Makati City.
The Taize Pilgrimage of Trust drew to a close on Sunday with a concelebrated Mass presided by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at the Don Bosco Technical Institute.
The gathering has been participated by thousands of young people from 50 countries.
The pilgrimage was aimed at deepening the faith and commitment of the young people to the Church and in the society.
Workshops have been conducted to fulfil the objectives and goals of the international gathering.
Bro. Andreas of the Taize Community said “some of the workshops go on the directions on how to nourish our thirstful life in fullness.”
Other workshops, he added, also included matters on how to deepen one’s relationship with God; how to discover the call of God and ways on how to reach the young Christians and Muslims in Mindanao.
Imus Bishop Luis Tagle also delivered a talk on the social teachings of the Church during the event which was held from Wednesday to Sunday.
Bro. Joseph Xu, a delegate coming from China, said the pilgrimage made him realize God’s call for the youth to be an instrument to the people in China.
“I realize that maybe God has called me to this event to be an instrument to the people in China. I should follow the works of the Taize Brothers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sr. Syrel Casquejo of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also expressed his experiences and reflections during the gathering.
“It’s a different feeling. I was touched by the talks and reflections. Among them was the call for change of heart because that phrase reminds me on my desire to indeed change my heart,” she said.
The theme of this year’s Taize pilgrimage was “A thirst for life in fullness… a call to transform the world.”
The Pilgrimage of Trust on earth was first organized by Bro. Roger, founder of Taize community 30 years ago, to promote young people to become witnesses of peace and reconciliation in their local communities and churches.
The Taize brothers go to different countries and cities to hold prayer meetings with young people to let them experience the universality of the Church.
Young people from all over the world then come to Taize and stay with the community for few months whom are which attracted by the witness of unity and life of prayer. (Kate Laceda)
