Albay celebrates 5th Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross at Kawa-Kawa Hill, Ligao City

Delegates from different secondary schools in Albay have gathered at Kawa-Kawa Hill to participate in the 5th Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross at Kawa-Kawa Hill, Tuburan, Ligao City on March 8, 2014 with the theme, "Jovenes: Inapod Banal, Sinugo maging Aarogan" ["Youth: Called to be Saints, Sent forth as Heroes"]

The delegates include 553 participants from 1st Vicariate representing the 1st District of Albay, 1,165 participants from 2nd Vicariate, and 1,065 from 3rd Vicariate representing the 2nd and 3rd District of Albay. They were joined by 45 seminarians who served as facilitators for each Station.

Sister Cadelina of the Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity, Diocese of Legazpi said that the Youth Way of the Cross aims to promote vocation and encourage the youth to enter the seminary as 2014 is the The Year of Faith. The celebration also encourage bonding among the youth.

Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, DD-Presider

Carmel Youth Coordinator Mario "Jun" Teodoro Jr. also added that the Stations are themed with Acceptance, Rejection, and Meditation. Participants were given tasks for each Station that reflect the themes.

Catholic devotees, families, and local government officials including Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, and former Mayor Linda Gonzalez also participated in the Way of the Cross.

After the Way of the Cross, Bishop Joel Baylon presided a mass celebration. However, instead of a homily, Bishop Baylon had a dialogue with the youth. Among the concerns raised include social and political issues such as the role of social media and technologies in the everyday lives of the youth, the importance of life and role of the family in bringing up the children, and the lessons to learn from the Priority Development and Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.