The Youth for Mary and Christ (YMC) is a movement for young men which aims to propagate a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and eventually lead them to the Eucharist. The objective of the religious group is to form a Fraternal, Praying and Apostolic Christian Community under the guidance of the religious congregation of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross (MMHC).
MMHC and YMC recently organized a Prayer and Mass Rally at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City with the theme: “Salamat Maria: Ina ng Kabataan at Sambayanang Pilipino.”
Around 2,000 students joined from the Divisions of Bago, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. Also present were representatives from the Diocese of Bacolod, Division of Bago, Animators, teachers, sponsors, benefactors, and friends of the MMHC Community.
The activity started with MMHC Brothers introducing icebreakers. Many in the audience joined the singing and dancing.
The Blessed Virgin Mary entered the coliseum with everyone was singing the Immaculate Mother raising flag lets or handkerchiefs to show love to Mama Mary.
Rev. Fr. Michael Ma. Cuenca, MMHC, gave an inspirational talk. He reminded us that evil exists, and the devil is afraid of Mama Mary. He also said that Mama Mary is not GOD but a person who loves God so much. Catholics are grateful to her for she became the mother of Christ and thus, she became our mother. She prays for us endlessly; she brings us closer to Jesus and God. Fr. Mike said he hopes that we will be inspired to love Mama Mary more and to pray with her especially for the souls. He concluded by asking us to reflect on the song Mariang Ina Ko, by the Bukas Palad Ministry.
After the talk, everyone prayed the Holy Rosary. The activity ended with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ma. Babano, MMHC and concelebrated by Fr. Philip Ma. Dela Cruz, MMHC (MMHC Superior General); Fr. Romuald Ma. Nopre, MMHC; Fr. Michael Ma. Cuenca, MMHC; Fr. Aloysius Ma. Moraga, MMHC, Fr. Anselm Ma. Galarosa, MMHC and Fr. Januarius Ma. Paglinawan, MMHC.
Fr. Raphael mentioned some of Mama Mary’s virtues: model of humility, chastity, love, and faith during his homily. He inspired the youth (and the young at heart) to be like Mary.
Many went home with motivating messages to share to loved ones and feeling blessed and joyful.