Theme: Synodality on Youth: Communion, Participation & Mission
San Isidro Labrador Parish, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur
The much awaited Diocesan Youth Congress finally happened last March 30, 2022 at the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Dumalinao, ZDS. It formally opened at 10:00 in the morning with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Most Rev. Ronald I. Lunas, STL, DD. He was accompanied by ten other priests: Fr. Joseph Muego, SCJ the parish priest, Fr. Jonathan Carmona (Diocesan Youth Coordinator), Fr. Lambert (Diocesan Vocation Director), Fr. Cyril, OSA (Youth Director – OLG Vicariate), Fr. Gilbert Hingone ( Pitogo), Fr. Pat Dalampines (San Jose), Fr. Rex (Sto. Niño Cathedral), Fr. Ed (Dinas), Fr. Junrey (Aurora) and Fr. Fred (San Pablo). It is participated by around 129 youth delegates coming from the four vicariates composed of 28 parishes, one mission station and a pastoral center (Alta Tiguma).
Bishop Bong in his homily emphasized the image of God as kind and merciful as expressed in Psalm 103. He therefore called on the youth to be like Jesus who in so many ways was very much like his Abba Father throughout his earthly life and mission. After the mass, he gave an enlightening talk on the Congress’ theme: Communion, Participation and Mission whereby he enjoined the youth to journey together integrating unity in diversity, active involvement and generous service towards a synodal Church where each one is valued, listened to from the heart as they share with one another their stories. He ended his talk with two words: “Walang Iwanan!”
