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DIOCESE OF BALANGA

The 5th Central Luzon Youth Pilgrimage

October 26 - 28, 2007

Like the voice of John the Baptizer crying in the wilderness, the bells of the Diocese of Balanga pealed loudly in the wee hours of the morning of the 26th of October, calling the youth of the Peninsula to join the 5th Central Luzon Youth Pilgrimage from the 26th to 28th of October 2007.

This year's host is the Diocese of Tarlac whose bishop, His Excellency Most Rev. Florentino Cinense, D.D. graciously welcomed the pilgrims from the dioceses of Iba, Cabanatuan, Balanga, Malolos, San Jose, Tarlac and San Fernando (IBA CA NGA MA SAN TA FE ).

In the opening mass held at the Cathedral Parish of San Sebastian, His Excellency exhorted the youth of Central Luzon to follow during these three days of pilgrimage and beyond that - the example of San Sebastian who courageously accepted the arrows of today's godless society with faith and perseverance through service and unity in the love of God- “Naglilingkod at Nagbubuklod sa Pag-ibig ng Diyos!” With a goal of “A clear understanding and awareness of the Youth's uniqueness in their journey towards Holiness of Life.”

According to our Lord, those who wish to follow him must take up His cross. With Mary, the participants trekked the mountain of Tarlac while praying the rosary towards the Monasterio de Tarlac to venerate the relic of the Most Holy Cross. A solemn concelebrated mass was offered by the Abbot, Fr. Archie, who exhorted the youth to be “living relics” of the cross of Christ. “Ave Cruv Spes Unica” - O cross, our only hope.

From the mountaintop of the Lord, the youth of Balanga together with the youth of the other dioceses descended Don Bosco Tarlac where catecheses were conducted with the participants and by the participants.” For as St. Paul says, “I may speak the language of angels, but do not have love, I am a clashing cymbal - I am nothing.” The “works of mercy” done by the youth is indeed the central point of the pilgrimage.

By nightfall, it is only fitting that the youth gather together in the spirit of Taize to thank the Father for the whole day of prayer and work. After Taize, and characteristic of the dynamic Filipino youth, a Youth Festival was held where the participants showcased their talents. The Diocese of Balanga showcased the myriad festivals of Bataan- reminiscent of the numerous blessings the Lord has showered to us.

As a final act of love, the host families broke bread with their foster children before the participants left for the Diocesan Gym where a solemn mass was offered by His Excellency Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, D.D., bishop of Masbate and chairman of the Episcopal Commission on the Youth. His Excellency challenged the youth to be “conscious - of- the- other like Christ.

Before the final Episcopal Blessing, the Youth Coordinators, together with His Excellency, passed the CLYP Pilgrimage Cross to the Diocesan Youth Coordinator of San Jose.

Indeed, these three days of prayer are, in the words of the Supreme Pontiff, Benedict XVI, "a glimpse of the “springtime of the Church"”. Until 2009, the Youth of the Diocese dedicated to San Jose, shall once more gather and exult!

OUR GRATEFUL HEART TO GOD, THROUGH HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.

MABUHAY! KABATAAN NG BATAAN: BAYANI AT BANAL!