Last September 30, the National Youth Cross and the relic of St. John Paul II were warmly received by volunteer personnel from Claret School of Quezon City led by the School Director, Fr. Mauricio T. Ulep, CMF.

In the morning of October 1, the entire school community celebrated the Holy Eucharist to formally welcome the National Youth Cross and the relic. In his homily, Fr. Mau focused on the theme of the Year of the Youth on being beloved, gifted, and empowered. The said Mass also ushered the school community to the celebration of the Claretian Mission Month, Claretian Vocation Month, and the Month of the Holy Rosary.

After the mass, the veneration of the cross and the relic began in the School’s AVR. Each grade level from the Child Study Center to Senior High School took turns to venerate the Cross and St. John Paul II. Each prayer session ended with the Song “Tell the World of His Love”, the theme song during the World Youth Day 1995 in the Philippines during which Pope John Paul II was present.

In the evening, members of the Claret Youth Ministry from Liwanag, Montalban and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and the Claretian Scholastics gathered in prayer vigil. Fr. Elias L. Ayuban, CMF, the Provincial Superior of the Claretians—Philippine Province, accompanied the youth with his inspirational message. Other Claretian Missionaries were also present during the prayer vigil.

In the morning of October 2, a send-off mass was held. Indeed the visit of the National Youth Cross and the Relic of St. John Paul II once more revitalized the faith and commitment of the young Claretians and the entire School community.