Saturday, May 03, 2008 Use Internet responsibly, cardinal urges the young
WHILE endorsing a newly opened youth website, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal is calling on the Catholic flock to be discerning and responsible in using the Internet.
After he led the opening the official website of the archdiocese’s Commission on Youth (COY) last April 14 in his residence along D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City, the prelate reminded the faithful that the Internet can be used for good and evil purposes “like anything man-made.”
“The Internet has increasingly become the most widespread means of social communication. While it can be used to disseminate information and cultivate positive values, the same information can also be harmful or untruthful,” he explained.
Vidal noted that one good thing about it is that strangers can meet on cyberspace and establish friendships or exchange ideas.
“If there is anything that approximates a time machine, it is the Internet, for it has collapsed the distance which time and space have imposed on our world,” he said.
The prelate expressed concern recently on the case of gay florist Jan-jan, who made headlines after he complained against Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center personnel for making fun of him while he underwent a surgery for the removal of a perfume canister from his rectum.
Videos of the surgery were uploaded in YouTube, a video-sharing website.
Vidal had called for prayers to be able to make reparations for persons who were “scandalized.”
Members and volunteers of COY worked on its website (www.coycebu.org) for less than six months.
For COY chairman Msgr. Arturo Navales the launch of the website was a dream come true. He thanked the volunteers, among them is Melissa Montebon, who set up the site from the start.
For the prelate, the website was “especially made” for those searching for “beautiful and positive things on the web.”
“It is for you to send your questions about God, the Church, life and any other issue which concerns you. The young people who are behind this website will be glad to offer you the friendship of Christ. May your encounter them and also have an encounter with the Lord,” he said.
It had 459 visitors as of 8 p.m. last night.
The same site announced that the youth ministry is organizing the 4th Cebu Archdiocesan Youth Congress in Lahug, Cebu City, on July 12.
It will be a convention of youth leaders from the parishes and religious groups and communities in the archdiocese to discuss on “how to tackle pressing and depressing issues affecting the youth today.”
Other features of the website include COY’s programs and activities, its history, life story of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Youthlinks training center for out-of-school youths, and a media gallery.
COY was formerly the Youth Welfare Services until 1985 when Vidal convoked the Fourth Diocesan Synod of Cebu.
The Synod declared the COY as an official member of the Pastoral Planning Board. It has also been an ex-officio member of the Presbyterial Council since 1986. (NRC)
