7th Rogationist Vocation Youth Camp Held

An overnight advocacy for vocation for the youth initiated by the Fathers of the Rogationist of the Heart of Jesus was successfully celebrated last November 10-11, 2018. Two hundred seventy-four young people from different schools and parishes gathered together as one community to reflect on God’s calling as they attended the 7th Rogationist Vocation Youth Camp in the Rogationist Academy, Baracatan Road, Toril, Davao City with the theme: “Renewed Servant Leaders and Agents of New Evangelization”.

The event started with a solemn procession headed by the Director of Spiritual Affairs, Rev. Fr. Sherwin Valenzuela, RCJ wherein the delegates are grouped into fifteen based on their assigned number during registration.

The School Principal, Rev. Fr. Antonio Nocellado, RCJ welcomed the delegates from the Rogationist Academy-Davao, Baracatan National High School, Talomo National High School, Saint Joseph School of Toril and the youth apostolate of Saint John Paul II Sub-Parish Inawayan. As he officially opened the event, Fr. Ton addressed his message to the youth to listen, pray and celebrate the presence of God and the gift of vocation.

The theme was further expounded by Rev. Fr. Jose Gasta, RCJ, the Assistant Vocation Director of the Rogationist Seminary – Cebu. He said that the young people need to learn the value of renewal, servant-leadership and becoming an agent of new evangelization. He also encouraged the youth to renew and to pattern their life to Jesus Christ who is the perfect example of a servant-leader. Like Jesus, the youth must also possess true humility in serving others. Fr. Joe invited the young people, the agents of new evangelization to remain true to the gospel for they are not only the hope and future of the church but also the face and present of it.

Group discussion followed after the talk where the participants openly shared their reflections. They were given points to ponder as to their role as a youth for the service of God and its challenges, their response to God’s calling, and their availability and readiness on spreading the Gospel.

Then the Rogationists priests made themselves available for confession, during which many young people cried as they felt the presence of God inside them. Celebration of God-given talents followed. All delegates proudly presented their dancing skills. Others presented a very beautiful piece of art in Spoken Poetry. These young people truly enjoyed the event.

Dawn Rosary was done around 4:00 AM where the delegates gathered together and made a procession around the school premises. Accompanying them were the Rogationist Priests and Brothers, Sisters from different congregations, the Rogationist Academy Mentors and Staff.

Holy Mass was also celebrated after the dawn rosary. It was concelebrated by the Rogationist Fathers, Rev. Fr. Jose Gasta, RCJ, Rev. Fr. Sherwin Valenzuela, RCJ and Rev. Fr. Antonio Nocellado, RCJ. During the homily, Fr. Jose invited the youth to discover their own giftedness and offer them to the Lord.

Just before the participants received their certificates, had picture taking and a closing meal, Fr. Ton reminded them to discern which vocations they should choose: Single Blessedness, Married Life or Priestly and Religious Life. Whatever it is they choose, they should not forget that all of them are called to a life of holiness. (Glen Miculob)