High School Youth Spectacular hears inspirational stories

The second part of the Diocese of Corpus Christi’s 2012 Youth Spectacular took place on Sunday, March 29, at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. High school students heard testimonials from various speakers on faith, listened to Christian music and worshiped during the daylong event.
Father Leo Patalinghug, born in the Philippines and raised in the Baltimore area, talked to the youth about spiritual battle. He demonstrated how one can break through sin or any other vices if he or she keeps their eye on the prize—union with God our Father.

Father Patalinghug, accomplished in the marital arts, broke boards with his hand and jumped over two high school youth to break another board with his foot. “The youth and youth ministers went crazy on that. Of course he told them all not to do this at home as he is a professional and also a black belt in Karate,” Office of Youth Ministry director Jaime Reyna said.

Another speaker was Father Masseo Gonzalez, also known as “El Padrecito.” He too provided the high school youth a testimony talk about his past life. Father Gonzalez told the youth that he got into trouble when he was young. He got into a fight when he was 19 and a person used a car to run him over and he lost part of his leg.

He experienced a conversion later in life and started to think about going to church. He attended church on a weekly basis but soon it was a daily occurrence. It was then that he seriously started thinking of giving his life to God as a priest.

After getting his GED, he enrolled in college. Today, he has two masters’ degrees and has started an outreach program for at-risk youth called “El Padrecito Ministries.” He uses his rap music talents to reach troubled youth.

Father Gonzalez joined Catholic rap artist Daniela to sing a duet entitled “Little Drummer Boy.” Another rap group, FoundNation, performed songs of praise through the style of rap. The group works with Father Gonzalez through “El Padrecito Ministries” and performs in places where youth are gathered and sing songs about the Catholic faith and their relationship with God.

Father Pete Elizardo, rector at Corpus Christi Cathedral, provided spiritual guidance to the Youth Spectacular. Heath Garcia led the praise and worship music during the Adoration and Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey.