MANILA, February 17, 2012—The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) urged young Filipinos interested to attend next year’s World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to start their preparations, especially after organizers have recently unveiled the official event logo. 

WYD 2013 organizers in Rio de Janeiro unveiled last week the official logo for the next international gathering of young Catholics slated from July 23 to 28, 2013 in Brazil.

The official WYD 2013 logo, designed by 25-year-old Brazilian Gustavo Huguenin, featured Brazil’s national colors of green, blue and yellow and elements that form a heart, arranged around Christ's image, inspired by the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue.
ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said the unveiling of the WYD 2013 logo signals the start of the pilgrim’s preparation for the event.

“Although the event is more than a year away, pilgrims have to start making physical, mental, spiritual and financial preparations this early,” he said.

The official added that pilgrims, especially those without prior WYD experience, should get ready to adapt on the WYD’s realities of long walks, loaded-schedules, and climate variations, among others.

“They have to study and prepare for the rigors of daily requirements. They have to be physically and mentally ready for those,” he added, citing common complaints of past WYD pilgrims.

Garganta admitted that there are still no requirements set yet for applications to be pilgrims for the WYD, adding that no communication has been made yet between the ECY and the WYD 2013 organizers in Brazil. (YouthPinoy)

MANILA, February 14, 2012—It’s that time of the year again when flowers, chocolates, and even motels and condoms are highly marketable among those who are “in a relationship,” which is why a ranking Church official reminded lovebirds, especially the young, to remain pure and chaste in love amid the commercialization of Valentine’s Day.

Fr. Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), warned unmarried lovers against giving into their curiosity and drive for adventure to indulge on what only married couples are entitled to engage in: sex. “Valentine’s Day is branded as a day that we show love for someone dear to us. This is not a day to take advantage of them,” he said.

The priest from the Diocese of Antipolo said it’s about time for people to veer away from the commercialization of Valentine’s Day. He said showing love and giving importance to one’s special someone can be expressed in various ways than how society dictates. Garganta instead urged lovers to use the opportunity of the season to deepen their love for each other.

“This day should not be an occasion where lovers will give into curiosity and adventure disregarding the commitment and responsibility that it entails. Instead, this should be an opportunity for unmarried couples to deepen their love for each other and achieve an equal understanding of their relationship,” he said.

And to those who are “single” or “on their own” when most are spending Valentine’s Day with their special someone, Garganta has this to say to them: “Do not be sad.”

He said single men and women that are not yet committed in a romantic relationship should still celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“Being single should not make one feel that their lives are incomplete or that Valentine’s Day should be a day to mourn than to be celebrated. Besides, not being in a relationship doesn’t mean you are less capable of loving or being loved,” he said.

“Instead, celebrate Valentine’s day in a different perspective. Consider it a new day with a challenge to maintain good relationship with family and friends and to reach out to those who are less cared for, those who are loved less,” he added. (YouthPinoy)

MANILA, Feb. 3, 2012—The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) turned 71 years old on February 2, which also marked CEAP’s first ascent towards CEAP 75, a five-year vision seen as opportunity for the association to establish its legacy and create a more profound connection between Catholic students and educators and CEAP’s Mission.

Highlighting the celebration was the issuance of a Pastoral Letter by the Catholic hierarchy celebrating Catholic education in the Philippines and the groundbreaking ceremony of the CEAP Headquarters on February 7.

During the 104th Bishops’ Plenary Assembly last January 29, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a pastoral letter celebrating Catholic Education in the Philippines titled: “Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).

The other significant event, according to CEAP, is the groundbreaking ceremony of its Headquarters in Quezon City on February 7.

Read more: CEAP strengthens legacy as it turns 71

MANILA, Feb. 1, 2012—World Youth Day 2013 organizers postponed the launch of the official logo which was expected to take place tomorrow, February 1, due to a tragedy that happened in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

“The WYD Rio 2013 institute has postponed the launch of the official logo in respect to the victims’ families of the tragedy that happened in downtown Rio de Janeiro last January 25,” the organizers said.

A press release said that the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro and the President of the Institute Dom Orani João Tempesta expressed regret for the victims and families, who are suffering and so has the archdiocese, and urged all to pray.

Read more: Rio incident keeps organizers from launching WYD 2013 logo