The Catholic bishops’ youth commission is encouraging dioceses and parishes across the country to establish youth centers as dedicated spaces where young people can find support, guidance and a sense of community amid growing concerns about isolation and dependence on technology.
Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, made the appeal during a dialogue between bishops and youth ministry leaders at the 1st National Youth Directors Assembly in Manila June 5.
“If you do not yet have youth centers, I would really recommend that we establish them; first at the diocesan level, and, if possible, even at the parish level,” said Maralit, who is also the bishop of San Pablo.
He described youth centers as important venues for evangelization, listening, formation and accompaniment for those seeking direction in life and faith.
“Even those who are not actively involved in the Church, when they become part of these kinds of places, begin to develop an interest. They start asking questions, they find answers, and eventually become involved,” Maralit said in a CBCP press release June 7.
He stressed that any youth center should adhere to the Church’s safeguarding policies to ensure the protection and well-being of young people.
Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr., vice chair of the commission, echoed the call and pointed to challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital technology, which he said can weaken human relationships and intimacy with God.
“The next enemy we have to make as our footstool is the crisis brought by technology — the crisis of AI, the crisis of accompaniment, and the crisis of intimacy,” Santos said.
The bishop of Iba said many young people increasingly turn to artificial intelligence and digital platforms to cope with loneliness and depression instead of relying on relationships with family and God.
“The crisis of accompaniment happens when loneliness and depression are dealt with by AI rather than through a close personal relationship with God and family,” he said.
About 100 youth directors and ministers from 62 dioceses and 15 federations of national youth organizations attended the assembly.
The gathering included a review of the Kalakbay 2 formation module, discussions on strengthening youth formation and participation in socio-political issues, and conversations on the role of the young adult ministry in responding to the evolving needs of Filipino youth. ||
