Youth move to preserve Church art, culture in the Philippines

Youth move to preserve Church art, culture

Fr. Harold Rentoria poses before the backdrop of the youth camp held
in Iloilo City from May 1-5

Young Catholics from across the country met in Iloilo City last week to discuss ways of preserving the nation’s religious heritage and pilgrimage sites.

Called “Angat Kabataan 2012,” the gathering was attended by 39 representatives of dioceses that host cultural and heritage sites.

“It was a way for young people to appreciate the history of the Philippine Catholic Church,” said Augustinian priest Harold Rentoria.

The event was sponsored by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and the Catholic bishops’ conference.

The participants visited pilgrimage sites in Metro Manila before proceeding to Iloilo, where they shared their experiences.

Workshops were later conducted to train them on cultural preservation and art appreciation.

Architect Miko Manalo, who sits on the culture and arts commission, said the gathering was also aimed at helping the younger generation to understand that while the country comprises more than 7,000 islands, “its people share a common culture.”

“No matter where we came from, we are all Filipinos,” said Manalo. “Young people sharing their experiences in the Church make them united.”