PHOTO CREDITS to their respective owners
August 25, 2019, was a memorable day for the young people in the Archdiocese of Palo. ”BOUNDLESS” – the mid-year celebration of the Archdiocese as the Philippine Church celebrates the year of the youth was hosted by the Vicariate of Tacloban. True to its name; BOUNDLESS gathered young people coming from various schools, youth organizations, and parishes within the Archdiocese of Palo.
Five thousand ninety-three (5,093) registered delegates were assigned to different host parishes in the Vicariate of Tacloban upon their arrival. Simultaneous welcome activities were prepared by the youth ministry of each host parish to welcome the delegates warmly. Topics on the theme of the Year of the Youth were also shared before they were sent to various festival experiences. The festival experiences designed by each host parish varied from street vending, visits to hospitals and correctional facilities, mural painting, and even a dance mob on malls.
In the afternoon, everyone gathered in front of the Sto. Niño de Tacloban church for the Festival Parade. The parade proceeded to the Tacloban Convention Center. The festival dances which the delegates bore with them added more color and a festive mood to this youthful March. A Holy Eucharist was celebrated to thank God for the gift of young people in the church and to pray for their intentions. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Du, DD – Archbishop of Palo with Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian (Bishop of Bangued) – the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
The Guests of BOUNDLESS, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, DD, and Mr. Jude Manuel Liao – a Philippine Church representative to the International Youth Forum 2019 in Rome; shared youth-related topics and responded sincerely to questions from the youth delegates during the open forum. To crown the whole day event for BOUNDLESS was a praise and catholic worship concert led by LiveLoud – a worship event organized by Couples for Christ (CFC) – Youth For Christ. LiveLoud gained popularity by its introduction of Contemporary Worship Songs in Catholic Worship Services.
BOUNDLESS has been faithful in its mission to gather young people from various parts of the Archdiocese of Palo, breaking walls and bridging gaps. The Organizers – the Vicariate of Tacloban Coordinating Council, saw the event as God’s gift to the youth in the Archdiocese of Palo. A gift that must be shared as they go back to their respective communities bringing with them their experience of BOUNDLESS.