To nurture the lived faith of Marist youth, foster a commitment to solidarity with the poor and inspire a spirit of generous service, the Marist Youth Ministry of the Marist East Asia Province holds its biennial Marist Youth Festival which is spearheaded by the Saint Marcellin Champagnat Club (SMC Club)- Philippine Sector and hosted by Notre Dame of Dadiangas University- Espina Campus, General Santos City, Philippines.
The Marist Youth Festival aims to celebrate the gift and richness of the Marist Identity; create opportunities of encounter with Jesus and young Marists of Champagnat together with the brothers and lay; and commit oneself in loving service to our fellow Marists and those in our communities.
The gathering was joined by a total of 485 participants constituting 435 youth and 50 youth animators and chaperones both lay and Marist Brothers coming from schools and non-schools ministries in East Asia Province. The festival was graced by delegates from different Marist Schools namely: Marist School Marikina, Notre Dame of Cotabato, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Notre Dame of Jolo High School- Kasulutan Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Notre Dame of Marbel University and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching, Malaysia. Other Marist Communities include Marist District of Asia, Marist Palawan Mission, Marcellin Homes, Foundation Fourviere Community, St. Joseph Community and representatives from Other Marist Branches namely Marist Fathers, Marist Sisters, Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.
The theme of the gathering “Awake and arise, and Christ will shine on you” calls on young people to awaken to their faith and rise to their spiritual potential, with the promise that Christ’s light will shine upon them. This theme is not just a call to personal spiritual growth, but it also aligns with the broader mission outlined by the 22nd General Chapter of the Marist Brothers.
The festival was graced by the virtual presence of the Br. Ernesto Sánchez Barba, FMS, Superior General, Marist Brothers, who shared a message for the youth to share these days [of the gathering], to listen to the voice of the spirit and to respond to the current context. Br. Allan De Castro, FMS, the Provincial Superior of the East Asia Province also affirmed in his speech that the Marist youth are important and they are the life of the Marist Community.
The celebration has provided variety of meaningful encounters for them to be motivated to awaken and deepen their personal faith and to respond to these broader calls. There were talks on essential topics such ‘Wake up: Navigating the Issues Facing the Marist Youth’ as shared Br. John Emil I. Alada, FMS and ‘Rise up: Shine with Faith, Serve with Love’ shared by Ms. Jonalen CAsares. The sharing engaged the participants in dialogue and conversation to heighten their motivations to awaken and deepen their personal faith and to respond to these broader calls. It encourages them to be proactive in their spiritual journey and in their efforts to support and uplift those around them, particularly the marginalized. There were also team building activities, Marist fiesta, prayers and worships and the community exposures that allow them to interact, connect, share and be inspired by each other’s presence, their presence to the community experiencing some realities outside. These were encounters allowing them to live out their faith in tangible ways that reflect Christ’s light and love in the world.
Gelyn Ninofranco – Head of Communications, East Asia