Archbishop John Wong presiding the online Opening Mass for virtual Sabah Youth Day 5 Jul 19 at Catholic Archdiocesan Centre hall
By Linda Edward
Jul 21 2021
KOTA KINABALU – The Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese, Archbishop John Wong encouraged thousands of youth participating in the virtual Sabah Youth Day 5 (V-SYD5) to be creative evangelizers in this time of pandemic.
He exhorted the youth to not be discouraged although they are only meeting virtually for the biggest celebration of Catholic faith in Sabah, but to be more creative and have more initiative to reach out to one another.
The prelate suggested to the youth to maximize the use of modern technology.
“Keep in touch via online meetings, maybe you can also organize formation talks and help each other especially those affected by the COVID-19. Not only meetings but also gather online for fellowship to encourage one another,” suggested the prelate.
Living in a modern era, the youth are using all kinds of digital technology but the Archbishop encouraged them to still keep in touch with reality.
“As Catholic youth in modern era, keep in touch with reality. Use your talents, dear youth, for the glory of God so that you are able to move on no matter in what era you are in,” he said.
The Archbishop also affirmed the youth, “Be convinced that the Lord is with you, he will guide you. Be convinced in your faith, be a true and active witness of Christ. Be on fire for God.”
He advised the youth, “After SYD5, go back to your parishes. Continue to be salt and light wherever you are. Be a creative evangelizer!”
He said this in a video message of his welcoming remark to the youth as the official host of V-SYD5 Jul 19.
Earlier on at 615pm, Archbishop John Wong presided the Opening Mass for the celebration in the new hall at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre here. Together with him were Fr Isidore Gilbert, spiritual advisor for the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocesan Youth Commission, and Fr Ronnie Luni, spiritual advisor for the Keningau Diocesan Youth Commission.
The online Mass was broadcasted live via Facebook Sabah Youth Day 5 Papar and Sabah Catholic Youth website.
On the same evening, more than 2,500 participants and other viewers were privileged to witness each parish-contingent contributing their talent worshipping the Lord in the online Welcoming V-SYD5 Concert.
The programs will continue daily until Jul 23 and parishioners are welcomed to participate in the open programs via the same Facebook page and website.
Behind the curtain of virtual SYD5. MC Ojoe and MC Gotong hosting the Welcoming Concert Jul 19
