SYD4 Into Its 4th Day

Article by Julita Kantod

Photos by SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : The 4^th  day, 9th June  commenced with the 7.30 am Morning Prayer using the Lectio Divina method  in their respective groups  followed by catechesis on Mother Mary and the the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

The sessions on Mother Mary for the 3 main groups; 15-19 years, 20-25 years and 26 years and above were facilitated by Sr Judith fsic, Sr Liza Augustine fsic and Mrs Eva Siruno respectively.

The sessions on the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy right after the session on Mother Mary for the 3 main age groups were presented by Mr. Denis Patrick ( 15 -19 years ),  Mr. Dominic Lim ( 20 -25 years old ) and Mr. Theodolfo ( 26 years and above.)

The afternoon activity which began at 2.00 pm was the 'Journey of the Cross' coordinated by Sr. Evelyn fsic and team. The activity was held at the Church compound and the Mission School area of both the St. Ursula and Holy Trinity Secondary Schools. The  participants at both venues were divided into 7 groups each. 7 in Scripture symbolizes fullness, completeness and perfection.

The Journey of the Cross was aimed to help participants to experience the mercy of God in the salvation history. The experience gained would strengthen them spiritually and move them to remain faithful to the Catholic faith as well as to be merciful like the Father.

Though it rained mid-way but that did not in any way dampen their spirit. They braved the rain and participated till the end, a sign of faithfulness.

The Eucharistic celebration for the 4th day was presided over by Fr. Rooney Mailap, con celebrated by  Fr. Sunny Chung and Fr. Jeffrey. 

Fr Rooney in his homily, hoped that SYD4 would not be a superficial celebration but an occasion to experience a deeper understanding of self.  Spiritual transformation is a process and can only happened if you so desire. He shared that some of the young priests are the fruits of previous SYDs. He hoped that the experience here in SYD4 will be good ground for growth and that at the end of the day will bear fruits.

He continued to say that God works through our imperfections. We are all imperfect being but do not let that be  an excuse for not getting involved in Church.  Indeed, He is working something in us that we may not be aware. Pray, experience and continue to discover the meaning of new life so that we may encounter His mercy.

A total of 97 guitarists from across Sabah, including a few Franciscan Sisters shared  their talent to accompany the choir throughout the celebration. Their impressive music uplifted the spirit of the people. It was marvelous seeing so many young people coming together to offer their talent to God. It was awesome and amazing.

The  evening session was the 'Thematic Night,' themed 'I am a Catholic. I am alive.' There was a medley of sketches touching on the realities of family, youth and faith issues encountered by families in the current situation. Participants were asked to reflect on the sketches.

The drama was about the difficulties and challenges encountered  between husband and wife, members being neglected by family, conversion to other faith and pregnancy crisis out of wedlock. It gave the youth the space to think of the difficult moments that the family has to go through if such were to happen to anyone in the family.

The 5-day event would soon draw to a close. Members had spent much time together; relationship built and bonding established. The reconciliation session after the thematic night moved the participants, the main and local organizing teams as well as volunteers to tears and joy as they hugged each other to say how much they appreciate and value their companionship and sought pardon for any wrong done.

The session ended with personal reflection and a Closing Prayer led by the Worship Team.

SYD4 INTO ITS 3RD DAY

Article by Julita Kantod

Photos by SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : The 3^rd day, 8th June 2016 began with Morning Prayer in their respective groups. After which, the 2,000 odd participants participated in the Eucharistic celebration at 8.30 am, presided over by Bishop Julius of Sandakan, con celebrated by Archbishop John Wong of Kota Kinabalu and Fr. Charles Chiew of Keningau.

Bishop Julius in his homily shared that God will always be with His people as long as we believe, trust and place our hope in Him. The prelate called on the young people to surrender every thing to God, focus on Him, keep praying for His guidance, wisdom and grace. In that way, we will always remain close to God and be assured of hope in life in all circumstances.

Touching on the theme of SYD4, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,' the prelate called on the youth not to make decision based on anger or hatred but on mercy. They are reminded to serve with a merciful heart and never to judge. Serve with humility, patience and be generous in mercy either in the family or the community.

Bishop Julius said that repentance is the opportunity granted by God to each and all. It is an act of acknowledging that we need the mercy of God to be forgiven and be accepted again as His children. Let us all be opened to God's grace.

After the Eucharistic celebration participants were guided to an open exhibition called 'Gallery Walk,' themed 'Hero In Mission.' The youths were privileged to gain some faith information through the displays put up around the Church compound, Parish Hall and at the Catechetical Hall. Each gallery area have their own video shows  and exhibitions.

There was also a display on the history of  Sabah itself, focusing on the identity of certain ethnics in order for participants to value and treasure their culture and tradition. The history of the early churches in Sabah also helped the younger generation to appreciate the development of the Catholic Church in the local context.

Beside that, there were other exhibitions put up by the Good Shepherd Sister, Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Sandakan Diocesan Youth Apostolate, the Seminarians and the Social Communication Ministry of Holy Trinity.

Participants  moved in groups and were asked to visit at least 3 areas of their choice. During the visit they were to remain calm and silent to reflect and pray that God will grant them the wisdom to comprehend the display. Participants shared on their experience based on the questions provided.

The afternoon session was the 90-minute talk on 'The true Hero.' The talk was aimed to put across the message on the meaning of the True Hero reflecting on Jesus Christ. Sr Terry fsic, Fr Rudolf and Fr Rooney facilitated the 15-19 years, 20-25 years and 26 years and above age groups respectively. 

After the catechesis session, participants in groups shared on the message  of the 'True Hero.'

The evening session was the Procession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which began at 7.30 pm.  Archbishop John Wong gave a reflection and shared that there is no sin that God can not forgive for He is the forgiving God, the merciful God, always waiting for us to turn to Him for pardon. Sins shall remain unforgiven because we chose to decline the forgiveness of God.

The prelate said that God is faithful. He never abandon us but in most cases we forget Him. We depend on our strength to face the rough roads of life and we lost focus on God. Once we are unable to carry the burden, we begin to question God, Where are You,? Why have You abandon me,? God is indeed in us but we have put Him aside.

It is through confession that our sins are washed and wiped away. Our hearts will be filled with His grace. We shall be purified and turn over to new life. He urged the participants not to stop seeking pardon from God, to welcome Him in our midst and be reconciled with Him.

After the Opening Prayer and reflection, confession and counseling were opened to all participants.