The Archdiocesan Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Manila organized a Local World Youth Day event on November 23-24, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary in Makati City. The theme of the event was “Those who hope in the Lord…will run and not be weary” (cf. Isaiah 40:31).
The event featured a variety of activities, including:
- Lakbay ng Pag-Asa
- Pagbati ng Pag-Asa
- Hapag ng Pag-Asa
- Bagong Pag-Asa
- Musika ng Pag-Asa
- Kwentong Pag-Asa
- Indak ng Pag-Asa
- Himig ng Pag-Asa
- Alab ng Pag-Asa
- Liwayway ng Pag-Asa
- Bukal ng Pag-Asa
The RCAM-Ministry on Health Care was invited to provide a standby Medical Team for the event, which consisted of members from:
- Parish Emergency Response Team (PERT) from various parishes, including:
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
- St. Peter the Apostle Parish
- National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Sto Niño de Tondo
- Volunteers from the Parish Lay Health Care Ministry
- ABFEV
- ERACCS
In addition to the standby Medical Team, the RCAM-MHC also designated a booth specifically focused on Mental Health. The booth offered various activities for the youth, including:
- Freedom Wall: where participants could post their thoughts and feelings
- Get What You Need: an activity that provided positive thoughts and affirmations
- Painting in the Maskara: a creative activity that allowed participants to express their feelings through art
- Dump Box: a safe space for participants to share their negative thoughts and emotions
Furthermore, the RCAM-MHC also provided Free Guidance Counseling services, in collaboration with professional counselors from the National University. This was a valuable resource for the youth, allowing them to access guidance and support for their mental health and well-being.
The mental health booth and activities seemed to focus on promoting positive mental health and well-being, while also providing a safe space for participants to express and process their emotions. The inclusion of a “Dump Box” for negative thoughts and emotions was a unique and potentially helpful activity, as it allowed participants to release and let go of negative emotions in a healthy and constructive way.
Overall, the Local World Youth Day event seemed to be a comprehensive and inclusive celebration that catered to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the youth. The RCAM-Ministry on Health Care’s involvement in the event highlights the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, particularly mental health, among young people.
