YOUTH TESTIMONIES
Joy in the Spirit Youth, Barkada for Christ, MD (Anna Manalad)
Pater Noster Youth Ministry (Gardiana Prosper)
BLD Washington Youth (Anika Aquino)
Kenneth Arguelles
Adrienne Gosioco
Carlavee Ortiz-Ervas
Joseph Caparros
Roxanne Perez
2011 WORLD YOUTH DAY REFLECTIONS
THE UNIVERSALITY OF PRAISE
A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE
A PILGRIMAGE
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFE-TIME EXPERIENCE
THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE CHURCH
REFLECTIONS ON THE AFCCPC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Anna Manalad
Joy in the Spirit Youth,
Barkada for Christ, Maryland
Many would say that Sunday is the saddest and yet most glorious day of such gatherings. However, for us youth it was not so. A long comical yet spiritually enriching day with our own renditions of Bible stories as well as songs had everyone keyed up, bringing everyone closer together. After the Mass Saturday evening, we convened outside of the youth space in front of a very dark room. Many of us had been there before in the Regional Conference but at that younger age, we weren't so eager to talk; that night was a different story. We reminisced about the day's events as we entered the foggy, dark room. We were told to sit on the floor and wait until the doors were shut. As soon as they were, the music started and so did the slide show in the back. It kept flashing the most common sins we commit every day without us realizing it.. At the peak of the song, a young man in chains could be seen in the strobe light. Around him were the sins labeled as anger, lies, and so on. Like us, the he was struggling. With quick flash of the room lights, "Jesus" appeared in front of the strobe lights. As he walked forward, more flashes of light came on and one by one the chains of sins let the struggling young man free. Soon all the lights came on and the performers were replaced with Tita Grace who was soon cut off by a loud bang on the door. Of course her automatic response was that no one was to be allowed in the door past 8 but let him in anyway. He said someone had sent him to give her "this"--"this" being a closed package. There was a letter for everyone. The lights came down again and this time a booming voice read to us the contents of the letter; it was from the Devil claiming that with each of our sins he grew stronger and his hold on our souls with it...that's when it all started. A trashcan was placed in front of the cross standing in the room. We had to make a choice --God or the Devil? I remember feeling the letter burning in my hands. Was that really what I wanted? Had I been blocking God all this time without knowing it? Everyone got up and destroyed the letter immediately. As I dropped the letter in the trash, I knew that would not be enough. For what felt like the next few hours, I knelt in front of the cross and prayed for God's forgiveness. Soon I felt people around me start to shuffle but I stayed kneeling and started talking to God like any friend I had. I lifted everything up to him -- my stresses, my happiness, my whole being. When I finally opened my eyes, I noticed a change in the room. It was lighter and everyone, despite the tears, was smiling too. We spent the rest of the session in the dim room dancing, jumping, and singing to the top of our lungs knowing that we each felt God's presence in the short time we were together and still remained there. Many of the youth had to leave that evening but no one wanted to go. The bond created there by the day's events couldn't be loosened. With a heavy heart, we hugged and many of us parted ways. The following morning as the Mass was coming to an end and with it the two years worth of preparation we each put into it, I was filled with grief. But the feeling was soon overshadowed by the realization that God would always be there helping me at each hurdle. He would help me in whatever problems I face. Each face I passed mimicked mine of joy and relief. And so with that, as I walked with the altar servers that Sunday afternoon, I could truly say that the Spirit of the Lord was upon everyone gathered there, including me. (Anna is 16 years old).
Gardiana Prosper
Pater Noster Youth Ministry
Hello and good afternoon. My name is Gardiana Prosper and I am 15 years old. I've been in the Pater Noster Youth Ministry for more than 5 years. I started with PNYM at about 9 years old. I remember when Tita Grace invited my brothers and me to PNYM. At the time I wasn't sure if I wanted to join but I went to see how it was. The first day I got here they were so welcoming. I listened to the gospel and prayers that were being said and I knew that these people had dedicated their lives to God. Later, I knew that God had put me here . I came to have a close connection with God in prayer through meetings and events. I was 11 when I attended my first Life in the Spirit Seminar retreat and it was the first time that I had spoken to God in my heart . The feeling was amazing and I felt loved so much more by God. After that, I consulted God about every decision I made, asking if they are apart of His plan for me. This group has also helped me learn that Sunday is not the only day to praise God but everyday and every moment we have is for God. Before, I knew that God was always there but I had trouble feeling and seeing His presence. During one meeting at PNYM, we were praising and worshiping, and then it seemed that God took me to a different place and showed all of His beautiful creation. I felt the wind as if God was using it to talk to me and the heat of the sun was how warm his love is and I saw the trees and plants as if they were us continuing to grow. Being in this group, I see the image of God in each and every one of us. What I mean by seeing the image of God is that we are able to forgive, love, and care for each other. We hear each others experiences and are amazed at what God can do. Now when I pray to God, I would begin to say words of love, wisdom , and tell how awesome he is. Then I realized later in the prayer that I was saying words I never said before. I thought that I would never be able to pray like this but God helps me pray. God's love never fails and this helps my faith grow stronger. We at times either feel like giving up but God will continue to work in us. Here we talk about the true vocation that we must live. It's not just going to church every Sunday. We also have to spread the gospel and live it. PNYM has helped me see this. We sing songs of praise, worship, and more. When I actually listen to a song, the lyrics help me realize what I want to say to God. I feel the words of the songs are in my head like the words were always in my heart. If I hadn't been invited to PNYM I would not be here standing today or wouldn't be interested in what God has in store for me. I want everybody to have the chance to experience what I experienced. Today I can see that we are one big family not only growing in number but in love. I have no regrets being in this group. I'm happy and thankful for being chosen by God to break free from the world and break in to His kingdom.
Anika Aquino
BLD Washington Youth
"I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me." Philippians 4:13
The weekend of the AFCCPC Baltimore Convention opened my eyes and strengthened my faith to a whole new level. The countless lessons learned there had the common theme of relating to that one unforgettable Bible verse. This verse, Philippians 4:13, was one direct teaching that somehow spoke to me. God called me by name to that convention for that to be imprinted in my heart, and through that one verse, all my doubts, fears, and questions were answered.
Saturday morning, BLD Washington Youth was in charge of leading morning praise. With all of the chaos and scrambling of songs, I somehow managed to listen to Father Leo Patalinghug as he reached out to not only me but all who were there. He mentioned the fact that not many can recognize the image of Holy. Naturally, numerous ideas of what could possibly define holiness ran through my mind. I realized that the more mysterious God seemed to be, the more I strived to know Him. That day made me rethink my understanding of my Lord and Savior. As each lesson became instilled in us, so too was the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
After mass a few of the BLD Youth kids decided to stay and attend a special activity led by the Pater Noster youth group. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that one night to be so overwhelming and profound. Their group did an amazing and inspiring performance that left my peers and I in awe. We saw Christ through them. We witnessed kids our age interpreting and displaying God's love to inexplicable proportions. I saw exactly what He wanted and probably needed me to see. That night was empowering, wonderful, eye-opening — baffling. That night was a glimpse of His love, and all I want is to see more of it.
After that night I felt that nothing could top such an experience; that there was probably no point in going back on Sunday because all that was left was the closing. Fortunately BLD Youth returned that day, for I learned that there is nothing more important than closure to such an amazing experience. Brother Bob Canton led us into a healing session, having us say "Abba Alleluia." Eventually this slurred, as I slowly began to speak what he called the "language of the Holy Spirit." I cannot even begin to describe what receiving the gift of tongues feels like. Although there were others louder than I, it felt as if I were alone with God. All of my feelings that even I myself struggled to put to words were poured out that day, and for the first time, I was sure God was listening. Without this closure I believe that all the teachings and inspiring experiences would have been left incomplete. I felt like I finally understood God; even if it was for just a brief moment.
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to this convention. I ask that you instill in me all the lessons that I have learned over this weekend and help me to apply them to my daily life. Continue to be my saving grace, and grant unto me the wisdom of Your ways so that I may serve You to my fullest potential. All this I pray in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
By making the sign of the cross, I learned that we make ourselves targets of Christ. Yes, I realize that after this moment with God it will be hard to resist temptations. They say the closer one comes to the light, the bigger their shadow becomes. I, however, am ready to make myself an open target to God, regardless of the trials. Why? Philippians 4:13. That's why.
Kenneth Arguelles, 15
Core Leader, Pater Noster Youth Ministry
Long Island, NY
It was the year 2002. I was in 7th grade and life was great. As a young 12 year old, I ran around every day playing sports with friends, playing games, and other things that kids my age do. I went outside and played basketball every day, which by the way is my favorite sport. Life was good. I didn't think life could get any better.
That all changed when my Dad -- who was the closest person to me, who I loved so much, the person who bent the rules and let me play games on the weekdays -- was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was stunned at the fact that something like this could happen to me and my family. My Dad was sent to a hospital where he received chemo- therapy. The doctors were convinced that my father had only about a month to live, but no, they were wrong. God kept him alive way longer than a month. On July 9th 2003, my father passed away. This must have been the hardest thing I would ever face in my entire life. It was the worst thing that could ever happen.
At 13 years old I lost the one person I loved the most in the world. For me, life was basically over. The whole summer I stayed in my bed. Kids my age were supposed to run around and play with their friends but not me. I stayed in bed and got out when it was around 3 pm. I had nothing to look forward to, nothing to live for.
I missed my Dad so much, I would give anything just to hug him again. For me then, God no longer existed. I seriously thought it would be better for me to just die so that I could see him again.
As I started 8th grade, my grades were going down. I was almost failing every single class. I did not socialize with anybody. I did not talk to my old friends that I have known from the years before. I soon grew apart from my friends. You could say that I have fallen into clinical depression. Life continued to be the same, with me not wanting to live anymore. I did not look forward to anything, or wanted to be anything when I grow up.
Then my sister Khristele, Kim, and Kristen, leaders of our youth group called the Pater Noster Youth Ministry (better known as PNYM), talked to me and told me everything was going to be alright. Little by little I started going to youth group again. This was probably the only thing I looked forward going to. The meetings helped me realize that life is worth living.
Now at 15, I'm the youngest Core Leader of PNYM. In school, I am in the advance placement classes, which are college level based.
God has brought me back to life. He has got me through the biggest trial of my life and I'm sure He will get me through everything and anything else in life. Life is good! God is awesome!
Adrienne Gosioco, 15
Pater Noster Youth Ministry
It was September 24, 2005, when my life would change forever. On this day I would encounter God for the first time in my life.
The week before, I really didn't want to go to the Baltimore Conference. I was forced to go by my mother. I went anyway not expecting anything from this trip and I sure did not expect to encounter God. During the Conference there were activities called "dynamics". In one of these dynamics we were blindfolded so we could see Jesus and talk to him and tell him all of our pain and sorrow and whatever was in our hearts. When I was blindfolded, I could hear everyone around me, then slowly I went into a state of silence and prayer and I couldn't hear anyone anymore. I was soon overcome by a strong emotion and I cried and broke down. It usually takes a lot to make me break down and cry but I had this feeling to just let go and cry. In the beginning of this dynamic, they instructed us to open our hearts and let go and just talk to Jesus.
Then suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and a person whispering that everything will be OK. I believe it was Jesus because I had a warm and calm feeling after the person had spoken to me and touched me. After that I felt like I was free of all my pain and sorrows because Jesus was there to help me.
That night was only the beginning because the next day we all had the great honor of meeting the famous Bro. Bob Canton to talk and pray for us to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He told us to pray certain words over and over. This was called the gift of tongues. Bro. Bob said by saying these words over and over we could receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This was our baptism in the Spirit. In the beginning I slowly said the words he told us to say over and over again with my eyes closed. Then I started to cry because I had an overwhelming feeling to do so. Then I saw Jesus and his Mother Mary walking around each person. When Jesus and Mary had come near me I asked him all these questions and he only smiled. I told Jesus that from that moment on I would serve him more. That moment had indeed changed my life forever. I had received the gifts from the Holy Spirit. Because of this I firmly promised God I would serve him. I know many people when they read this will have doubts but I will only say this: open your hearts and say yes to God because with God all things are possible!
Carlavee Ortiz-Ervas, 14
Violinist, Pater Noster Youth Ministry
I expected to be touched by God in some way. During the sessions, people told us how wonderful a life with God is. We danced, laughed, cried and sang songs to the Lord. I felt God's presence surrounded us. The feeling is indescribable! I talked to the Lord because I knew He was there and He could hear me. On the last day, Bob Canton told us to close our eyes and say "Abba Alleluia" over and over. We all started to say the words and soon I was saying other words as well. I was touched by what everyone was saying (although I didn't understand). Then Bob Canton prayed over me and I fell to the floor. I then felt a cold thing on my hands and on my face and a hot thing on the rest of my body. I cried even more. When I opened my eyes I saw many people on the floor. When I finally stood up, Bob Canton came and prayed over me and I fell again! With tears in my eyes, I looked over to my right and to my left and saw my friends praying and crying. I took their hands and held them as I closed my eyes again. The coldness and the hotness never left me. I opened my eyes again and saw that my friend was sitting on the floor and over her was Mother Mary. My other friend was sitting on a chair and beside him was Jesus. When it was all over I was left with such a good feeling. I'm glad that many of us felt the presence of God and were touched by Him. I hope we get to go to the next convention!
Joseph Caparros, 13
Joy of the Spirit Prayer Group, Maryland
I've been to many conferences before but this was different, maybe because of the theme "With God all things are possible." I loved being with fellow Catholics who love Jesus the way I do. I don't see much of that in school. Saturday night when we saw the Blessed Sacrament, I remember hearing that we should surrender our lives to Jesus and I did. I told him myself, "I am ready to give my whole life to you." That night I received a number of prophecies. I was also told "If not now, then when?" So I decided to let God "mold me, make me". I could feel his presence that evening. I cried when I heard the knocking on the door. I and many others went towards the door to open it and in came Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament!
At confession I learned that I shouldn't do the same sins I committed before confession. The following morning after confession, I felt renewed. Now I can start a new life with Christ and become the loving and caring person I should be. Brother Bob Canton did the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. While I was resting in the Spirit, I saw a bright light and an eye of Jesus. I asked to see Him and I received His glory.
Roxanne Perez, 13
Amazing Grace Singers
I felt God in ways that are unexplainable until now. During the three days of this conference, God's Presence was stronger than ever. His Presence was in everyone. He walked through the rooms, the hearts and souls of everyone present. He spoke to us so that all would hear. He made me feel more welcome in His arms, hugging me. He put smiles on our faces and we all knew that He will always be there. He told us that our hard work has finally reached the point where we can rejoice and lift it all up to Him. I felt happiness and peace during the workshops where I lifted all of my burdens up to Him. I felt free and closer each day we praised His name. I received many gifts from God during that weekend. However, one gift really touched me. Receiving the gift of tongues was truly amazing. I felt God talking to me on a whole new level. God told me that I'll be okay and so will everyone be in my prayers. He understood me perfectly and embraced me. He sent the Spirit, and the Spirit reassured me. The Holy Spirit "shaked" out all of my doubts in God. Since then, I am a whole new person who finds God everywhere and in everyone around me.
