The Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross and the Youth for Mary and Christ recently held its annual grand rosary rally at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
The theme of the rally: Mary, Model of the Youth: Beloved. Gifted. Empowered, was in line with the Church’s celebration of the year of the youth.
The event had its usual program of activities such as mood setting, inspiration talk, coronation of Mama Mary, praying of the rosary and the most important, the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Two more features were added this year: the candle lightning activity where candles were blessed by the priests and the Marian Exhibit: “Behold Your Mother.” The exhibit showcased the different faces of Mama Mary. The impact of the candle lighting was sensational. It was miraculous to see the beauty of Mama Mary
It was attended by thousands of high school students, from both public and private schools in Negros Occidental.
Hon. Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, Bacolod City’s Mayor and Former Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella also joined this activity, as well as, school principals, teachers, benefactors, sponsors and friends of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross.
Seminarians from the Sacred Heart Seminary and St. Vincent Pallotine brothers, and religious sisters were also there. The Sacred Heart Brothers sang during the mass.
The rally was also graced by the presence of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s relic. St. John Baptist de La Salle is the patron saint of the teachers and he surely loved the children.
Br. Claude Alvin Philip Ma. Umali, MMHC, gave a very inspirational message. He emphasized that we follow Mama Mary through her Goodness (a gift), her love for Only Jesus (Beloved) and for Doing good to others (we are empowered) = GOD
Bishop Patricio Buzon celebrated the mass, together with thirty-three priests. He motivated the youth by sharing stories about young heroes and martyrs like Greta Thunberg, a climate activist; Bashir, a young hero who hugged a suicide bomber to prevent more killings and St. Jose Luis Sanchez de Rio, a 14 year old boy who was asked to renounce his faith in Christ (and when he did not was tortured).
The rosary rally surely motivated the youth to do more for our country and for our faith.
Report by Rose Jessica Octaviano | October 4, 2019
Photos by Chanda Pascua and Matet Nacolangga
Video by MMA Multimedia
