Manila (Fides Service) - Pope John Paul II left a very important legacy for the young people of the third millennium. It was he who invented World Youth Days and with these events he built a special relationship with the youth of the whole world. For young Catholics in the Philippines Pope John Paul II is an example and his teaching is a fundamental point of reference for their human and spiritual growth. This emerged during a seminar held at Don Bosco Center of Studies in Manila, organised by Salesian Institutes for Catechism and Youth Pastoral in the Philippines. According to ANS Salesian news-agency, the Seminar, 4-6 May, offered some 400 participants including catechists, religious instruction teachers, youth pastoral operators, bishops, priests and religious and lay people involved in formation in parishes, lay groups and religious communities the opportunity to share experience and discuss problems in youth pastoral and identify solutions.
Reflection started from the teaching and deeds of John Paul II as a catechist, youth leader and champion of holiness. In workshops the participants discussed methods of Bible study and discussion, preparation of youth meetings, liturgy for youth, catechism for children youth culture, liturgical dance, youth spirituality, moral themes for youth, youth and media, youth and environment protection.
The Seminar closed on the feast of St Dominic Savio. In his homily during the closing Mass Salesian Bishop Patrick Buzon of Kabankalan said those present could see “Dominic Savio as a model to imitate in response to the call the holiness launched by John Paul II”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2005 righe 24 parole 268)