Rekindling the Flame: Sparks from DaDiTaMa 2024

The most unforgettable memory I have of a Youth Convention dates back to National Youth Day in 2006. That convention paved the way for the numerous Youth Conventions I have attended since. Even now, as I am still included in the Youth Category, I vividly remember the activities, the new friendships, the joyful spirit shared by everyone, and the feeling of being pampered by our foster parents as if it were just yesterday.

When I received the invitation from our Parish Youth Coordinator (PYC) to participate in DaDiTaMa 2024, held at Queen of the Apostles College Seminary from June 7-9, I was eager to invite my fellow youth in our GKK. Unfortunately, my excitement was not reciprocated. In the end, I was the only one who represented our GKK, along with three other delegates from our Parish.

Throughout DaDiTaMa, I found myself delighting in what I witnessed with my fellow youth, acknowledging that we are all different, possessing different gifts of the Holy Spirit, and calling one another “kalakbays” in the spirit of joy and hope. In a talk given by Fr. Jemeuel Tadanon, DCT, revolving around the theme “DaDiTaMa Youth: Joyful in Hope,” he emphasized that to remain joyful and hopeful, we have to go back to the source and summit of our Catholic faith, the Eucharist.

During the second day, Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot gave a talk titled “Hinga: Mental Health and Soul-caring,” highlighting the importance of doing what makes us truly happy by doing the will of God. This was followed by various learning tracks such as Back to Basic: Youth in the GKK and Stewardship, Bahaghari: Awareness about the LGBTQAI+ Community, and The Flickering Shadow: Youth and Social Media. In the afternoon, we experienced the Mission Trip, visiting different communities in line with our chosen learning tracks. Personally, I chose Back to Basic: Youth in the GKK and Stewardship and Youth Revolution at GKK Chapel.

The day culminated with the “Fiesta sa Nayon,” featuring solidarity and camaraderie among the delegates through festive presentations. On the last day, the highlights were the “Sulo sa Pagtoo” event, where we shared narratives of our experiences, and the Interactive Talk, “Tingog sa Magbalantay,” where the youth asked questions directly to our Bishops, Most Reverends Romulo Valles, D.D. (Archbishop of Davao) and Abel Apigo, D.D. (Bishop of Mati).

The convention concluded with a Holy Eucharist as a thanksgiving to God for the fruitful encounter. Reflecting on this journey, I realize the challenges ahead for today’s youth. My hope is that my fellow youth never lose their joy and hope, with the grace of God. I pray to be His instrument in bringing youth back to the Church, creating sustainable programs that foster love and growth in faith. DaDiTaMa 2024 has reignited a spark in me, reminding me of the joy and fellowship I experienced in 2006. With renewed enthusiasm, I am committed to making a difference, one step at a time. (Ma. Catherine M. Rebote | Photos by John Rodel Tinampay)