The Untold Story of the DaDiTaMa Youth Convention

The DaDiTaMa Youth Convention is often described as a joyful journey for the young people of Davao, Digos, Tagum, and Mati. This three-day, two-night event is full of learning, new experiences, and the opportunity to make friends and connect with fellow participants from across the region. While I wholeheartedly agree with this description, there is so much more to the story when we delve deeper.

My excitement began to build during the orientation, where I heard many sorrowful stories from my fellow delegates. I silently wondered how they managed to choose participation despite their individual struggles. Reflecting on my own challenges, I was amazed at how God works. Instead of seeking answers to my questions, I found myself hoping that, as we journeyed through the convention, we would find comfort in the loving arms of the Lord.

As the convention progressed and finally came to an end, I realized that the most significant lesson I learned was the importance of trust. From journeying with unfamiliar kalakbays to living with and believing in my foster family, trust was the foundation of all my experiences.

I had no doubts about my foster parents, even before meeting them, because I trusted that my host parish, particularly the parish priest, had chosen someone who would support my spiritual nourishment. I felt confident spending three days in Tagum because I knew DAYCA would not have sent us if they had any concerns. I didn’t mind sitting all day with my GKK Dynamic Group, whom I had just met, or traveling and walking in unknown places for our mission trip because I trusted the committee to facilitate us. These experiences demonstrated the power of trust.

During our mission trip to a specific GKK, I was initially surprised that we were assigned to help a chapel that appeared more physically impressive than many in our parish. However, I saw the joy and appreciation of the community for the tiny improvements we made. I was moved by the trust they placed in us, despite not knowing us beforehand. A GKK servant leader and some young servants shared their struggles, leading me to realize that no one is needless when it comes to helping others. We are all capable of helping; we are not alone. We just need to trust in the value of synodality.

I prayed to the Lord and hoped to bring home this trust. As I returned to my home parish and we finalized preparations for our Summer Youth Camp, I carried with me a token of trust. I listened to our Parish Administrator, Resident Priest, Adviser, PPC, GSLs, and fellow young leaders, trusting their insights and perspectives. As our camp progressed, I witnessed how trust works, seeing the potential of young leaders who will soon guide others closer to Christ.

The DaDiTaMa Youth Convention taught me to realize, utilize, and cultivate trust—trust in His Church, trust in His doers, trust in His creations, and trust in Him wholeheartedly.

Throughout the convention, I found comfort in the Lord’s loving arms—in every person I met, every conversation I had, every hand I held, and every heart I connected with. The comfort of the Lord was palpable in every moment.

Indeed, we are joyful in hope. In a journey full of ups and downs, we can laugh during the falls, knowing they will soon pass. We embrace that life includes sadness and pain, but with trust, we continue our voyage with Christ as our ultimate destination.

In a world full of uncertainties and doubt, we, the young people, must be agents of trust. Perfection is not required to serve the community; a heart willing to serve is enough. Despite our flaws, young servants of the Lord pledge to meet the needs of the community. Trust is key.

Above all, completely trust the Lord, and you will be amazed at how He turns struggles, imperfections, and uncertainties into victories.

To God be all the Glory.

(Jozeil Crodua | San Roque Parish SoCCom)