In Zambales, youth lead parish preparations for Palm Sunday
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES—In a quiet corner of the Holy Child Parish here, the next generation of churchgoers is busy at work.
On Friday, local youth took the lead in cleaning and preparing palm leaves, a key tradition for the upcoming Palm Sunday celebrations.
For parish priest Fr. Alexis Santiago, the involvement of young people in church activities is more than just participation—it is a vital way to preserve long-standing traditions while nurturing faith.
“Youth engagement with the church is very strong,” Santiago told the Inquirer.
He added: “First, it allows them to inherit the church’s long-standing traditions, ensuring that practices like Holy Week preparations are passed on and never fade away.”
‘Meaningful’
But the impact goes beyond tradition. According to the priest, participation in these activities offers young people a “meaningful way to reconnect with their faith.”
“Through these tasks, their faith is nurtured and strengthened, giving them a chance to return to spiritual practices in a meaningful way,” Santiago added.
He noted that church involvement also provides structure and purpose for the youth, keeping them engaged in positive pursuits.
“Instead of spending their time on less meaningful activities, they devote it to church programs, especially during Holy Week, making their time more purposeful,” Santiago explained.
For the young volunteers, preparing palms is not just a chore—it is a chance to serve their community, deepen their understanding of faith and celebrate a cherished parish tradition.
