Praying With Youngsters at DACS Youth Camp 2013

It was a privilege for me to have spent quality time with young people at the Youth Camp for the Year of Faith that was spearheaded by Davao Association of Colleges and Schools Inc. (DACS) last October 25-26, 2013 at Fr. Martinez Sports Center, Ateneo de Davao University, Matina Campus. The theme of the gathering was “Knowing, Living, and Sharing the Faith.” According to Mr. Jimmie Loe dela Vega, the executive director of DACS, there were more than 1,700 youth and 200 facilitators and religious from the different schools and congregations in Davao City, Digos, Tagum and Mati who participated in the said activity. The activity started at 5PM and it ended at 7AM the following day.

The DADITAMA-wide Youth Camp was indeed the youth’s way of sharing and celebrating the faith. During the opening program, the participants were welcomed by Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, ADDU University and DACS President, who generously offered Ateneo Matina Campus to be the venue of the said event. The opening presentation of the faculty and students of St. Paul College of Davao was also superb. The Singles for Christ (SFC) Band even added color to the momentous event with their music. The delegates were also entertained with different productions like the duet of Ateneo de Davao High School students, the Rondalla music of Padre Pio’s Home for Children and the tribal dance of the students of Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

One significant part in that event was the sharing of the guest speaker, Fr. Erwin Rommel C. Torres. He interestingly explained the history of our faith and it was very much appreciated by the participants. Then, there was faith-sharing after the talk and I was in awe to have seen young people sharing their faith experiences and mingling with fellow youth from different schools.

Another event that overwhelmed me was the Taize and Veneration of the Cross that was led by the faculty and students of San Pedro College. I was humbled by the testimonies of some students because they really were sincere in nurturing their relationship with the Lord. Of course, the role of Mary in their lives was also given importance in that occasion through the “Harana kay Inang Maria” that was led by the students of John Paul II College of Davao.

At 5:00AM, the delegates from Holy Cross of Davao College were busy preparing for the 5:30AM Eucharistic Celebration. The Youth Camp ended with the Holy Mass that was presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD and con-celebrated by Bishop George Rimando, DD and the diocesan clergy and the religious. In his Homily, he expressed his joy seeing the youth gathered in the celebration of faith.

To me, the experience in the DACS Youth Camp was truly meaningful and memorable. The youth who are always misunderstood in the way they demonstrate their faith have impressed me with their fervent prayers and profound love for God.