By Shannon Sweeney  • Posted January 15, 2021

Mirroring the words of Christ — “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk 7:14) — Archbishop Nelson Perez called on young people to stand up, come together and go forth at a pilgrimage Mass he celebrated Sunday, Jan. 10 at St. Cyprian Church in Philadelphia for the young adults of the archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, which sponsored the Mass.

Drawing on the words of Christus Vivit, the archbishop told young people not to watch from the balcony but to take initiative in learning the faith and getting involved in the church. 

This diverse and spirited committee was born in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical and the subsequent “Journeying Together” initiative launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  

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Archbishop Perez praised the group for their zeal for learning more about the church and desiring to bring others home with them.  

(See a photo gallery with scenes from the Mass here.)

Yoline Scutt of the PCMR young adults shared some history of the group’s success in bringing young people from different cultures together. 

“As the Haitian mantra says, ‘Unity makes strength.’ It is true.”

“So who’s here?” Archbishop Perez asked as he smiled upon the congregation. 

The church rang with pride as members of the congregation were invited to stand up and share their home country: “Burkina Faso! Togo! Indonesia ! Haiti!  Korea! Nigeria! The Philippines! Cameroon! USA!”

After the conclusion of the Mass and an address by Archbishop Perez, PCMR young adult members called the congregation forward to receive a missionary cross, rosary and a young adult-themed prayer written by Imani Scott, all of which were blessed by the archbishop. 

Williamina Lebaga concluded with a promise on behalf of the PCMR young adult group to “serve the church as joyful missionary disciples.”