The Archdiocese of Singapore celebrated Catholic Youth Day (CYD) 2019 on July 20 and 21. This year’s theme was «Jesus’ Name Above All Names» to celebrate the gift and centrality of Jesus Christ in the Catholic faith. Organized by the Office for Young People (OYP), the initiative was an invitation to all young people (aged 16 to 35) to experience what to be part of the Church means – One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic -, alive in Jesus Christ.
Gabriel The is a young Catholic who took part in this celebration. In 2016, he witnessed over 2,000 young people pray together, which led him to desire a «deep passion for the Lord».
«I witnessed a deep yearning for the Lord as one united body of Christ … as everyone bowed down in silent Eucharistic adoration as the Blessed Sacrament was being exposed,» he told Fides News Agency. Through this gathering of young people in the Archdiocese, Gabriel began to appreciate the reality of the Church: «The Church is much more than just a physical structure, it is made up of individuals with hearts united through prayer, worship, and communion, centered on Jesus Christ.»
The CYD was also a call to young Catholics to proactively evangelize by inviting at least one other young person who does not know Jesus or who has been away from Church to come for the event. «CYD is for us a time to celebrate our faith among young people and also to share Jesus Christ with others, as a source and meaning of life», said Father Brian D’Souza, OYP chaplain, to Fides.
The program of the Day was divided into two distinct segments. The first part began with prayer and adoration, followed by the preaching of Father Brian, and workshops on a variety of topics. In the evening, Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Mgr. William Goh.
After dinner, OYP presented a brief contribution concerning the struggles that young people face, followed by the preaching by Fr. Jude David, OYP chaplain. At 10.30 pm the night vigil began in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Prayer ministry and the Sacrament of Reconciliation was available till midnight.
The population of Singapore is 5.6 million inhabitants, of whom about 383 thousand are Catholics (9 percent of the population).
