Asian Youth Day Cross visits the Young People of Bacolod
By Giovanni A. Solibio
The author, a teacher by profession, is a volunteer staff member of the Commission on Youth of the Diocese of Bacolod.
While staring at the Cross as it was being carried by some young people of Panay, a feeling of excitement and joy invaded my whole being. The noise of the crowd and the vehicles moving to and fro reminded me of the awesome presence of the Cross. I was so preoccupied then with how the Commission on Youth staff together with the council and the young people of Bacolod could provide accommodation for all. In spite of this, I was able to focus on the Cross as we commenced the caravan around the city passing the different schools with the welcoming students lining the streets. As the Cross visited every corner of each young person’s heart and soul, the power of the icon of God’s love for humanity was so vividly evident. I felt a desire of wanting Christ present to these young people and for the unfolding revelation of God`s love to all people. That very significant moment was strangely distinctive in the sense that it brought about a transfiguration, even for a short period of time, in the lives of the welcoming crowd.
I grabbed the special opportunity as the Cross stayed and remained present in a seat in Bacolod Cathedral. I gave my maximum participation in the evening vigil by joining the veneration of the cross and availing of the sacrament of reconciliation. Reflective prayer had drawn me into an intimate encounter with God at the foot of the Cross. It was a humble offering of all that I am to Him. It was also a great experience being with others praying as a community united in faith and love and seeing the young people expressing concretely their active involvement in social transformation as they marked their respective handprints on a cloth, signifying their commitment and stand for clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections in May. Hence, the presence of the Cross indirectly struck and eventually raised their conscious awareness on their vital roles as agents of change by sharing the word and living the Eucharist to others.
As the Cross continued its pilgrimage, it extended its healing visit to the young from the south to the north of the Diocese. The bad weather tried getting in the way, but it didn’t succeed. The activity was still pursued. This only showed that we all embraced the authentic essence of the Cross in our lives as a source of strength and hope amidst struggles and difficulties. It’s a reminder of God`s faithfulness which is anew every morning, renewed every day. It also assured us of the bountiful goodness of the Lord which never diminishes or runs out, a proof of His kindness and compassion.
As one of the volunteer staff of the Commission on Youth, my personal involvement in the activity and encounter with the holy cross did not only awaken my commitment in serving the young people but also inspired me to be a living witness of the broken Bread of Life that is Christ in my daily encounter with those I am called to serve.
Furthermore, it inspired me to fulfill what He has entrusted me to do: to preach the good news by word and deed. Finally, it provided me with the avenue to re-experience His loving presence and unfailing goodness which sustains my efforts in collaborating in His redemptive mission to all.
Indeed such experiences transcend my being and draw me to a divine holiness. Thanks for the AYD Cross. It was a transfiguring and grace-filled encounter with God.
You may email Giovanni at gvni_8190@yahoo.com
The Dioceses of Panay and Negros
The Archdiocese of Jaro is comprised of the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras. The Diocese of San Jose de Antique takes in the province of Antique. The Diocese of Kalibo embraces the province of Aklan and the Archdiocese of Capiz the province of the same name.The Diocese of Bacolod is located in the northern part of the province of Negros Occidental and Kabankalan in the south while the Diocese of San Carlos takes in the eastern part of the province. The Diocese of Dumaguete includes the province of Negros Oriental and the island province of Siquijor. The people of these two dioceses are mainly Cebuano-speaking.
The ecclesiastical province of Jaro includes the Archdiocese of Jaro and the dioceses of Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos and San Jose de Antique.
The ecclesiastical province of Capiz consists of the Archdiocese of Capiz and the dioceses of Aklan and Romblon. The latter covers the province of the same name.
The Diocese of Dumaguete belongs to the ecclesiastical province of Cebu.