More than 3000 participate at SYD-6

Sep 27, 2024

KENINGAU: “Sabah Youth Day was celebrated at this cathedral 20 years ago, but the vibe was different. Two decades ago, there weren’t many participants. Today, thanks to God, not only have the number of participants doubled, but the infrastructure and facilities here have developed in pace with the growth of faith,” said Bishop Cornelius Piong during the opening Mass of the sixth Sabah Youth Day (SYD-6) at Dataran Keuskupan Keningau, September 17.

On September 16-20, over 3,200 young Catholics from the three arch/dioceses in Sabah attended SYD-6 with the theme Mary arose and went with haste (Luke 1:39). Bishop Cornelius, who has a great devotion to Mother Mary, asked the participants, “Why did Mary get up and go?”. The prelate stated that Mary was able to get up and go because the Holy Spirit was with her. She was a little surprised when the angel Gabriel appeared to her to proclaim the Good News, but Mary was given strength by the Holy Spirit to take on her role as the Mother of God, and with the Holy Spirit’s grace, she “got up and went” to see her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant.

Bishop Cornelius also stated three notable examples that Mary is always quick to intercede to the needs of all Catholics, namely:

1. Mary travelled immediately to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant in her old age; this significant event indicates that, just as Mary understood Elizabeth's need for assistance, Mary was also aware of our needs, especially youngsters.

2. Our Lady is sensitive to the family’s needs. This was obvious at the wedding in Cana. She noticed the wine had run out and urged Jesus to help. Running out of wine symbolises the loss of joy. Families today are constantly losing joy, so pray to Mother Mary for peace, joy, and love to strengthen families.

3. According to Acts of the Apostles 1:14, Mary was a member of the early Christian group. They gathered together and waited for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. It shows that Mother Mary is present in every community. Pray to Mother Mary for help when our youth group or BEC is having difficulties.

During SYD-6, the youth stayed with their adoptive families. Besides catechesis and Masses, the SYD-6 participants actively took part in other activities such as SYD-6 Way of the Cross, Friendship & Accompaniment, Mission Walk, Missionary in Action, and the Magnificat