IMUS, Cavite, Nov. 23, 2009—Asian Youth Day officially kicked off Monday with an opening Mass celebrated by Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle before an estimated 2,000 people here.
The opening mass began with a parade of national flags through the crowd of pilgrims at the town’s plaza.
The Asian Youth Day cross was planted on the stage as a symbolic start of the week of celebration of the Catholic youth.
The bishops and priests of Asia have taken seats on both sides of the altar, with the Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral at the background, where they listened to Bishop Tagle deliver a homily.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales welcomed pilgrims and his colleagues.
“The coming together of young people is always a great event of the church, as time of faith, life and love,” he said.
“Young people you are intensely loved by God,” added the cardinal.
The cardinal also prayed that everyone who had come to the Philippines for AYD would be blessed and be glad they came despite the cost, hassles and distances travelled.
Before the Mass ended, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo encouraged the youth to use AYD as a time not simply to celebrate their faith with peers, but strengthen their commitment to Christ.
Lagdameo is the outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
“My dear youth of Asia, I share your dream and your vision for a local church that hopes beyond what the eyes can see,” he said.
“I share your dreams for a church that believes beyond what reason can reach. And finally my dear youth of Asia, I share your dream for a church that loves beyond what the heart can feel,” he added.
This year’s AYD has the theme: “YAsia Festival! Young Asians: Come Together, Share the Word, Live the Eucharist.”
The eight-day pilgrimage comprises a three-day immersion course followed by five days of plenary sessions, workshops and liturgical activities.
AYD is held during the years in which no international World Youth Day celebration is organized.
It was first held in Thailand in 1999, Taiwan in 2001, in India in 2003 and in Hong Kong in 2006. (Roy Lagarde)
