Cebu youth leaders moved to action after Pope Francis encounter

‘Francis effect’

Over 40 youth leaders from Cebu had the “overwhelming experience” of seeing Pope Francis at the University of Santo Tomas grounds last Jan. 18.
(INQUIRER PHOTO/ KIMBERLY DELA CRUZ)

Overwhelmed by their experience of seeing Pope Francis during the “Youth Encounter” at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, at least 40 youth leaders from different Cebu towns have vowed to work doubly hard in their respective parishes.

Oddrey Devibar, 19, from the St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Aloguinsan, midwestern Cebu, plans to organize a soup kitchen for street children.

“I learned that we should really help one another – reach out to the poor, the needy, the sick and the lonely, especially the lost sheep,” she said.

Devibar, a college student, will use her allowance as seed money and plans to tap the  youth  in her parish for the project.

“At least each of us can take care of one or three street children. That’s the initial plan. Some of my fellow youth leaders are busy, so I would encourage my classmates. It would be a simple gathering, have lunch and bring them to Church and hear mass together,” she said.

Dave Christopher Y. Cantillas from the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Youth Coordinating Council in Balamban said that the meeting with Pope Francis challenged them to go out of their comfort zones.

“Upon reflecting on the message of Pope Francis, I learned that as a youth leader, I must have a heart for the poor, the marginalized and the outcasts,” he said.

“Give much importance and care to young people who are left outside of society and who are crying out for help. And the most important is to think well, feel well, and do well especially for the poor, with love,” he added.

Organizing charitable works may have already been part of their plan, but the Pope’s message is making them work harder and faster, he said.

“It would be better not just to have an answer to the physical needs but also spiritually, such as formations and workshops and even livelihood programs  for the out-of-school youth,” Cantillas said.

Resdale Venz Palabrica, 20, from Sibonga’s Our Lady of Pilar Parish, said they are now planning activities for the poor with their service committee.

Bringing images of the Sr. Sto. Niño, the youth leaders from Cebu entered the UST gates in the morning of January 17 after waiting for six hours  under heavy rain and amid pushing and shoving. Aside from wanting to see the pope in the flesh, they had prepared questions for the Pope in case they were given the chance to ask one.

Rita Kaye Gabutan, 18, vice-chairman of social communications of Virgen de Los Remedios Parish in Labangon, Cebu City had wanted to ask the Pope if he could visit Cebu.

She did not have the opportunity to ask the Pope, but seeing him in the flesh will always be, for her, a story to be told for her future children and grandchildren.

“We can’t explain the contentment. We just let our hearts out, with tears of happiness,” she said. “We were overpowered by the rain and our enthusiasm and love for the Lord.”

Bonessa Ann Sotto, 19, youth president of the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Matutinao, Badian, was also ready to ask Pope Francis her question: “Papa, I believe that the youth are the hope of the Church. But why is it that the elders of the Church do not support us in the process of molding us as good leaders?”

Sotto said despite not having been close enough to ask the question, it was still an experience of a lifetime.  “Words are not enough to express my overwhelming faith. I feel transformation within me, of becoming a faithful servant. And that I feel more inspired to share and motivated to serve,” she added.