Priest urges faithful to appreciate Filipino youth just like Pope

MANILA-- A Catholic priest urged the faithful to further appreciate Filipino youth just like what Pope Francis is doing to encourage them to share their love and creativity for the betterment of the society they are in.Rev. Fr. Kunegundo Garganta, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY), said the people should also have a new way of looking at young people as Pope Francis did. We heard him so many times that he (Pope Francis) asked them to go out and bring messages in their dioceses, parishes to get out and make change. Offer their creativity, youthfulness in engaging in positive activities, positive witnessing to the faith,” he said in an interview.With this, the CBCP-ECY official said that people should not perceive that young people who are attending Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) are there because of their boyfriend or girlfriend. Huwag naman sana na ‘yun na lang palagi natin nakikita sa kabataan and they make use of Church event especially we are coming into the festive celebration of the Simbang Gabi...tinitingnan ‘yung kabataan na they take this time to deepen friendship…yung iba naman sinasabi they make use of the nine-day simbang gabi as a way to explore their relationship parang date ng lalaki at babe, boyfriend and girlfriend baka ito ‘yung lumang paraan ng pagtingin sa kanila,” he said.Garganta added, I hope with our anticipation of the visit of Pope Francis people will also have a new way of looking at young people as the Pope did.”The priest is convinced that more young people will be encouraged if the public are willing to embrace them. Siguro mas malakas ang magiging tawag ng Santo Papa sa mga kabataan na patuloy makilahok sa buhay ng simbahan. Make use of the given abilities to them to improve the life of the country and society as a whole,” he said.Garganta added, Napakalaki ng contribution ng kabataan for change. Dito tutulungan ang kabataan na iparamdam sa kanila na tinitingnan sila sa isang positibong pananaw.”The Simbang Gabi is an annual tradition for Filipinos and a way of preparing for the great feast of Christmas. It starts at dawn of December 16 and ends at dawn on December 24. (PNA)CTB/FGP/SSC