Rekindling Faith and Hope: The 5th DADITAMA Youth Convention

The DADITAMA Youth Convention, an important gathering for young Catholics in the sub-region, offers a unique opportunity to journey together with the Lord through prayer, formation, celebration, and various youthful activities. This tradition began when the Diocese of Mati proudly hosted the inaugural convention from November 7-9, 2008. It was passed to the Archdiocese of Davao, which took on the challenge of hosting the second convention from November 6-8, 2009, and continued their sponsorship for the third convention from November 26-28, 2012. The Diocese of Digos kept the momentum going by sponsoring the fourth convention from November 28-30, 2014. Now, after nearly a decade of anticipation, the Diocese of Tagum is set to host the much-awaited 5th DADITAMA Youth Convention from June 7-9, 2024, at the Queen of Apostles College Seminary.

The theme for the upcoming DADITAMA Youth Convention, “DADITAMA Youth: Joyful in Hope!”, draws reflective encouragement from Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.” This theme resounds with Pope Francis’ letter “Rejoicing in Hope,” which highlights that Christian hope is not mere optimism but a certain knowledge of God’s presence among us. It stresses that the joy we experience is a result of Christ’s paschal mystery and resurrection, an energy born from an encounter with Christ rather than from human efforts. Attached in this divine love, the three-day convention is designed around Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality, which urges the Church to discern the Holy Spirit’s movement within and beyond the Church to fulfill our mission of evangelization. Every activity aims to REKINDLE THEIR EXPERIENCES OF ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST, REAWAKEN THEIR SENSE OF FAITH AND HOPE, AND CULTIVATE THEIR SENSE OF COMMUNITY, thereby strengthening the spiritual foundation of young Catholics and empowering them as joyful and hopeful witnesses of their faith.

The upcoming event will feature two plenary talks and multiple learning tracks led by distinguished speakers.

Plenary Talk I will be delivered by Rev. Fr. Jemuel Tadanon, the Parish Administrator of San Vicente Ferrer Quasi Parish in Pasian, Monkayo, Diocese of Tagum. His talk, titled “DADITAMA Youth: Joyful in Hope!” aims to inspire youth with a message of hope and joy.

Plenary Talk II will be given by Mary Fil M. Bauyot, Ph.D., a college professor and Youth Formator for the Diocese of Mati. Her topic, “HINGA: Mental Health and Soul-caring,” will address important issues related to mental health and spiritual well-being.

The event will also feature a series of learning tracks focusing on various themes. Vicky Estoque Anghag, the Pastoral Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Davao, will speak on “Back to Basic: Youth in the GKK and Stewardship,” emphasizing the role of youth in local church communities and stewardship. Rev. Fr. Allan Joie Nuñez from the Diocese of Digos will cover “Bahaghari: Awareness about LGBTQIA+ Community,” fostering understanding and inclusivity.

Dr. Cheryl Vilog-Magdaherin will discuss the impact of social media on youth in her talk, “The Flickering Shadow: Youth and Social Media.” Rev. Fr. Anthony Jun Piguera, the Diocesan Ecology Director for the Diocese of Tagum, will present on “Climate Justice: Youth and Laudato Si,” highlighting environmental responsibility.

Cynthia Masinaring, the Diocesan BEC Coordinator for the Diocese of Tagum, will speak on “Agong: Reigniting Youth, IP, and Catholic Faith,” focusing on cultural and faith renewal. Rev. Fr. Ben Jerson M. Cañete, the Diocesan Bible Apostolate Director for the Diocese of Tagum, will lead the track “Y.B.A. Kami Para Sa Tanan: Youth and the Word of God,” centered on scripture and faith.

Lastly, Rev. Fr. Antonio G. Llanes, the Assistant Parish Priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Kapalong, Diocese of Tagum, will conclude the learning tracks with “Journeying Together: Youth and the Synodal Church,” discussing the collective journey and participation of youth in the church.

The 5th DADITAMA Youth Convention is a transformative event giving joyful hope to young Catholics while fostering a strong sense of community. With a diverse array activity, speakers and learning tracks, the convention aims to inspire and empower participants as joyful and hopeful witnesses of their faith. (Sara Mae Sotomil | DiTasCom)