A Catholic bishop in the island province of Marinduque urged young people to live their faith through action as they gathered for the first diocesan convention of a centuries-old Lenten formation tradition.
Bishop Edwin Panergo of Boac said faith should go beyond knowledge of Church teachings and be reflected in daily life.
“The challenge for all of us is that faith should not remain only in the mind. It must be lived and expressed in action,” Panergo told Radio Veritas.
The gathering in Torrijos, Marinduque on March 7 marked the first diocesan convention of participants in the Novicio–Novicia, a 40-day Lenten formation program practiced across parishes in the province.
The program, held annually from Ash Wednesday to Easter, guides young Catholics in prayer, reflection and devotional practices including Mass, the rosary and Taizé prayer.
Panergo said the discipline of daily formation during Lent helps deepen the prayer life of participants and encourages active involvement in parish ministries.
The tradition dates back to spirituality introduced to the Philippines by missionaries before 1700 and inspired by the beaterio founded by Ignacia del Espíritu Santo in 1684 with the help of Jesuit missionary Paul Klein.
Originally intended for women, the 40-day formation was later opened to men. Participants today wear traditional devotional garments — women a blue veil and men a panuelo.
The convention gathered about 1,500 young participants reflecting on their role in the Church under the theme “Hamos, Hayon, Hayo: A Synodal Journey.”
Fr. Jovin Grimaldo, head of the diocesan youth commission, said the event was the first time Novicio–Novicia participants met at the diocesan level to reflect on their mission in the Church.
He said the Church will continue investing in youth formation.
“The Diocesan Youth Commission will never tire of investing in our youth because they are the Church of today,” Grimaldo said.
The convention is among activities leading up to the diocese’s 50th anniversary in 2028, part of its celebration of the Year of Family and Youth.
Speakers included Sharon Joy Isla of TV Maria, who shared nine “Be-Attitudes” for young Catholics, and lay speaker Jose Ponce, who spoke about faith amid life’s challenges.
