The Salesian Parish of St. John Bosco in Makati City, Philippines saw the return of the “Misa ng Kabataan” or Mass of the Young People last June 12, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The celebration was presided by parish priest Fr. Fernando Urbano, SDB, and saw the attendance of hundreds from the local community, mostly children and youth of the parish with their families.
Spearheaded by the parish’s youth ministry, the Misa ng Kabataan serves as the focal point of all oratory activities in the youth center, which on Sundays begin with children’s catechesis, and proceeds with sports and fellowship programs organized by the various parish youth groups. The liturgy also draws together young volunteers from the Knights of the Altar and the youth lectors, with the children’s choir singing to string music from the parish “rondalla.”
Speaking before a younger congregation, Fr. Urbano’s homily for the solemnity centered on the young people’s understanding of the mystery of the Trinity. Meanwhile, in addressing the older members of the community, he spoke of ‘Don Bosco’s mission’ of bringing the young people to Christ and welcomed those who would like to join in praying for and with the youth during the weekly celebration.
Before its revival, the youth and children’s masses were held until March of 2020, after which Eucharistic celebrations in the country were shifted to the online set-up due to the COVID-19 surge. Much of the Philippines remains at a relaxed alert status amid the pandemic, including the SDB-FIN Province and the country’s central business district, to which the parish belongs.
