What is SYD?
Sabah Youth Day or SYD is a programme for the Catholic youth in Sabah. Similar to the World Youth Day, Sabah Youth Day is also organised every four years. The Catholic youth of the three arch/dioceses in Sabah, namely Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Sandakan are the main organisers.
How did it all begin?
A staggering 5,000 Catholic youth gathered at the Youth Jubilee held at Sacred Heart Kota Kinabalu in 2000. The amazing success of this youth gathering has gone on to inspire youth in other parts of Sabah. It has produced great impact in terms of faith and leadership of the youth generally.
Consequently, the youth were invited to continue their coming together with the first Sabah Youth Day or SYD1 in 2004 at St Francis Xavier, Keningau. This was followed by SYD2 at St Peter Claver, Ranau, in 2008 and SYD3 at Holy Cross, Toboh Tambunan in 2012. The masses of youth that were at each of these gatherings showed a spiritual thirst and a missionary desire that was truly amazing.
SYD4 in 2016 is hosted by Sandakan Diocese. Holy Trinity Tawau has been picked as host to welcome the youth this time round.
Why SYD?
Many could be left wondering why there had been such a huge response and what young people were seeking. The response of the young people showed the need to meet together to share their experiences, to listen to words of faith, to look to the future together, and to renew and confirm their commitment.
Since the beginning of SYD, matters that challenged the young people in current and oppressing issues have been given focus.
Past SYDs have also shown the local Church’s effort to help the youths generally to persevere in their faith and to be strengthened in facing the challenges of life.
SYD is still relevant in the gathering of the youth from all three arch/dioceses and in providing a common platform for the youth. It is a path for them to be actively involved in the Church’s Ministry, as well as to rise up as leaders with strong moral convictions for the society. SYD also opens an arena for the youth to be strong in their identity as children of God who are filled with the love and mercy of God. SYD has been instrumental for many to give their “yes” to God’s call to the religious life and priesthood. SYD4 is definitely here to stay!
SYD is the Church’s programme for the youth, thus the support of the religious, priests, and archdiocesan commissions such as Family Life, Human Development, Catechetical, Women, Education, Social Communication, Bible, and Liturgy, is needed and strongly urged to work together with the youth ministry. The worsening and challenging current relativism of today’s world is obviously a threat to our youth. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all to affirm and to strengthen them as best as we can. – Cindy Edward
Programme SYD-4 6-10 June 2016, Holy Trinity Tawau
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7)
Objectives:
1. To celebrate the Catholic Faith in unity with the People of God
2. To create awareness among the youth that the kingdom of God is a gift realised within them
3. To empower the youth to become agents of change in proclaiming the Good News
Mon 6 June 2016 – Welcoming
10:00 am Registration
4:00 pm Procession to the Church (from St Ursula to Holy Trinity Church)
5:00 pm Opening Mass (Apostolic Nuncio Abp Joseph Marino)
7:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Welcoming Programme
Tue 7 June 2016 – Blessing
6:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Morning Prayer
8:30 am Holy Mass
10:00 am Break
10:30 am Sharing
12:30 pm Lunch/Rest
2:30 pm Animation: Role of Youth in the Family
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Family Night
Wed 8 June 2016 – Hero in Mission
6:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Morning Prayer
8:30 am Holy Mass
10:00 am Gallery Walk
12:30 pm Lunch/Rest
3:00 pm True Hero
4:30 pm Sharing
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Taize/Adoration
Thu 9 June 2016 – To Be Merciful
6:30 am Breakfast
7:30 am Morning Prayer
9:00 am Catechesis
12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Journey of the Cross
5:00 pm Holy Mass
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Thematic Night: I am Catholic, I am Alive
Fri 10 June 2016 – Sabahan, Heroes in Mission
6:30 am Breakfast
7:30 am Morning Prayer
8:30 am Synthesis & Evaluation
10:30 am Closing Mass (Announcement of SYD5)
12:30 pm Lunch
(If you are on facebook you can search and like Sabah Youth Day 4 Tawau and follow its activities)
Visit facebook for the the Virtual Sabah Youth Day 5 (VSYD-5)
The next host for Sabah Youth Day 6 in 2024 , will be the Diocese of Keningau at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. See Announcement here