Filipino Youth Institute Inspired by Newly Canonized Saint

November 1, 2012 : A local youth commission in the Philippines inspired by the nation's newly canonized saint has formally dedicated an institution in the saint's name.

The San Pedro Calungsod Institute for the Young (SPCIY) was created by the Diocesan Youth Commission (DYC) of the Diocese of Laoag to train and mobilize youth to be missionaries for the New Evangelization. The youth commission released a statement highlighting the mission of the new institute.

"SPCIY will serve as a venue for the young and the youth ministers of the diocese to grow in the ministry. It will also be a place to develop their God-given talents and use these in reaching out to fellow youth in any forms as new missionaries to the world," the statement read.

"It will also continue and will make sure that formation among the youth and the youth ministers of the diocese remains relevant and up-to-date," they added.

The San Pedro Calungsod Institute was introduced to the faithful of the diocese of Laoag during the Diocesan Youth Leaders Assembly at a local parish. The institute will be an official arm of the DYC for diocesan youth formation efforts.