In the mid 1990’s, the Youth Ministers of the DaDiTaMa sub-region planned to hold the first DaDiTaMa Youth Congress. Unfortunately, it did not materialized due to a change of leadership in the sub region.

Seeing the importance of gathering the young people of DaDiTaMa, a convention (instead of a congress) was recently approved by the Directors, Coordinators, and Youth Leaders of the four dioceses comprising DaDiTama.

This year, 2008, the Diocese of Mati will be the host of the First DaDiTaMa Youth Convention through the support and generosity of the Bishop of the Diocese of Mati, Most Rev. Patricio H. Alo, DD. The convention also has the support ofRev. Fr. Alonito B. Tinong, DCM, the Diocesan Youth Director and Regional Youth Director of DaDiTaMa sub-region.

The convention will be held at St Therese Gym, Clergy House Compound, Madang, Mati City from November 7 to 9, 2008. The theme shall be "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). This event aims to gather young people expressing their oneness in the Church; to deepen their role in the Basic Ecclessial Community; and, to establish camaraderie among the youth of DaDiTaMa sub-region. From 250 to 300 active youth ministers and leaders of the Diocesan Youth Apostolate of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati dioceses are expected to attend.

Following are the planned convention activities:

• Eucharistic celebrations
• Prayers/ Bible Enthronement
• Workshops
• Inputs
• Sports Activity
• Cultural Presentation by Diocese

To the youth of DaDiTaMa sub-region, be a witness of God’s love and you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit!

Tara Na!!