St. Michael Perak Youth Animate the Opening of the Month of Mary through Youth Mass and Rosary Pilgrimage
Surabaya – The spirit of devotion to Mary Help of Christians continues to be nurtured among young people through meaningful faith-filled activities. To mark the opening of the Month of Mary, the Catholic Youth (OMK) of St. Michael Parish, Perak, Surabaya, organized a Youth Mass celebrated with great enthusiasm, reverence, and joy.
The event aimed to introduce and deepen young people’s awareness of the Salesian mission of fostering devotion to and love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Following the example of St. John Bosco, who taught young people to regard Mary as their Mother, Guide, and Protectress, the youth sought to live out this spirit through their active participation in the life of the Church.
From the beginning of the celebration, the members of the youth group enthusiastically took part in various liturgical ministries. They served as readers, choir members, offertory bearers, and liturgical assistants, helping the faithful encounter God in an atmosphere of prayer and holiness. The Eucharistic celebration was carried out smoothly and prayerfully, reflecting the commitment and dedication of the young participants.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Catur, SDB, Youth Ministry Coordinator of St. Michael Parish, and concelebrated by Fr. Beatus, SDB. In his homily, Fr. Catur encouraged the young people to recognize their calling as disciples and missionaries of Christ in today’s world.
He reminded them that every Christian is called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ as Priest, Prophet, and King, following the example given by the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John Bosco.
“The young are called to carry forward Christ’s mission in their daily lives. Mary and Don Bosco have shown us how to live this vocation faithfully, courageously, and with love. Today, it is the turn of young people to become witnesses of the Gospel in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities,” he said.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the gathering continued with a Rosary pilgrimage. Accompanied by Fr. Catur, SDB, the youth visited three Marian grottos located in the northern area of Surabaya. At each shrine, they prayed the Rosary together, entrusting their lives, dreams, and intentions to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The pilgrimage provided an opportunity for deeper reflection and spiritual renewal. It also strengthened the bonds of friendship among the participants while helping them grow in their love for Mary, who always leads her children closer to Christ.
Through this celebration marking the opening of the Month of Mary, the young people of St. Michael Parish demonstrated that Marian devotion remains alive and meaningful among today’s youth. Inspired by the Salesian charism and Don Bosco’s enduring love for Mary Help of Christians, they continue to grow in faith, hope, and charity, ready to become joyful witnesses of the Gospel wherever they are called to serve.
