MANILA, Nov. 29, 2009—Asian Catholic youth leaders departed Manila on Saturday as they pledged themselves to help spread the Catholic faith after a 4-day gathering in Cavite province.

Over 1,500 young faithful gathered at the Rogationist College in Silang town Nov. 23 to 27 for the 5th Asian Youth Day (AYD) hosted by the Diocese of Imus.

Despite the “difficulties that beset” them, the youth acknowledged they have much to contribute to the church.

“We will deepen our love for the Word of God and the Eucharist to keep the fire of Christ in us burning,” they said.

The commitment was contained in a statement read out at the closing Mass presided by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

Freedom of faith

The statement cited various challenges facing the youth and their Catholic faith and how they could help overcome them.

“Many among us find it difficult to identify ourselves with Christian beliefs and practices even if we were baptized Christian at an early age,” it read.

“Worse, some of us live in circumstances with little or no freedom in religious expression,” the statement added.

Christianity is a monitory faith in Asia and oppression among the believers has long been hampering the believers to practice their faith.

Many Christians in some Asian countries are forced to renounce their faith or threatened with violence.

‘Loss of self identity’

The AYD delegates said poverty and the lack of equal opportunities are also some of the facets that affect the church and the people.

“We are also burdened by the extremely uneven distribution of wealth in our countries, which results in the inequity in economic and educational opportunities,” they said.

“We too are being negatively influenced by the mass media and new media which in many ways lead us to the loss of self-identity with their emphasis on consumerism and secularism,” they added.

The challenges, the participants said, emphasized the need for them to be more involved in their parishes and their church.

“We are YAsians! Being nourished by the Word and the Eucharist, we dare to face and overcome these challenges,” according to the statement.

“We commit ourselves to renew, strengthen and practice our Christian faith in word and deed, prayer and service, even if others may judge and think of us differently.”

“With our Church, starting from our families, parishes and local Christian communities, we shall build bridges of peace, understanding and love. We confess our limitations and we beg our elders for support. We appeal to our Church to enable us to live our faith,” it also said. (R. Lagarde)

http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/11380