Ormoc City, Philippines|Organized and facilitated by the core group of the Claret Youth Ministry- Ormoc, the 3-day CYC + NYD Re-echo camp held last September 5-7 at Claret Mission Center was a resounding success.
With the theme, Rejoice in Hope, Endure in Afflictions, Persevere in Prayer, the burning flame and spirit from National Youth Day in Naga was brought in the Claret Mission Center to relive the experiences, lessons, and inspiring message for our fellow Katood. The venue became a ground of safe space, growth, faith, friendship, and renewal for over 100 delegates from the different mission areas of Claretian Missionaries, Ormoc. The 3-day memorable journey officially kicked off on September 5, with a Mass presided over by Fr. Resty Audal Jr., CMF, followed by a short opening program to formally welcome the campers and help them get acquainted with their fellow campers and meet their corresponding groups. The opening program was filled with joy and laughter, as well as camaraderie, which exhibits the Claretian spirit.
After the campers got acquainted with their peers and fellow Katood, and the groups had been formed, the first session, facilitated by Gianna Borinaga, also began. The entire discussion focused on the start-up journey, emphasizing that as individuals, our first step doesn’t need to be perfect, but what matters the most is where we start. The entire session became fruitful, allowing the campers to reflect and share their experiences. The first day ended with a prayer, with hopes and new experiences awaiting them the next day. The next morning, Saturday, September 6, another opportunity and experiences await our campers. The day began with a mass presided over by Fr. Pedro Cleofe, CMF. The day became a long, yet purposeful day for the campers. After everyone had their breakfast, the next session immediately followed. Facilitated by Rechel Ann Remitar and Anna Clarissa Aves, they shared about small wins and big wins, where they emphasized that every small victory is a step toward the bigger triumph God has prepared for us. The session became meaningful for everyone, allowing them to share their wins in life and reflect on how this molded them as individuals.
Another session in the morning immediately followed, having Gerald Cataag talk about brokenness. In his talk, he explained that despite our brokenness, God’s grace fills the cracks and makes us whole again. He reminded everyone that they are loved, they are worthy, and they are beautiful, despite being broken. The morning sessions became fruitful, allowing the campers to deepen their relationship with each other through sharing. After the morning session, our Kabataang Claretianos took a short pause to have their lunch and to get to be friends with their fellows. They also exchanged messages through the envelope of kindness, the freedom wall, and also the safe space room, where they can freely express themselves and they can be vulnerable as they share their thoughts, experiences, and other things related to their lives.
After the lunch break, the afternoon session immediately followed. The first session for the afternoon was all about dreams and hopes, facilitated by Ken Poraso. In his talk, the campers were able to reflect and remember their dreams in life. Ken emphasized that “dreams and hopes are seeds of faith that grow when we entrust them to God.” Moving forward with the last talk for the day is the topic about shield and defense facilitated by Gian Lorenz Cadianza and Cris John Rapsing. This activity allowed the campers to reflect on the past sessions as well as the things they were rooted in, as they made their own symbols of shields that reflected their lives. This talk displays how faith becomes our shield and how God’s love can become our greatest defense in life’s battles. The talks in the afternoon session were filled with reflections and sharing that the campers actively engaged in. After a long day of having the sessions, the campers immersed themselves outdoors with a tree- growing activity, which symbolizes their growth and journey as individuals.
After a very long day, the campers have prepared themselves for the confession, praise and worship, and of course, the boodle fight, which displays the unity and the wholeness of the Kabataang Claretiano. The highlight of the night was the praise and worship, where voices became one as everyone sang with praise and gratitude. The chapel was filled with love, joy, and togetherness, and in those moments, boundaries disappeared, walls were broken down, and everyone just became united in one faith and one love for God. Through singing, everyone felt a sense of belongingness and passion, and that together with God, their strengths were renewed and their passion was ablaze as everyone continued their mission to become servants of God. The night ended with a fellowship through sharing their experiences, reflections, and realizations about their lives and their journey throughout the camp.
On the last day of the camp, everyone felt a bittersweet moment as the camp was about to finally conclude. The program began with a walking rosary, followed by their breakfast and preparations for the last talk to the entire camp, which is on Temperance and Prayer. Facilitated by Gianna Borinaga and Catelyn Senillo, the session deeply talks about our ability to say no even if we wanted to say yes. It teaches us that true strength lies in balance and self-mastery. The last session became more meaningful as everyone had become more open to their peers through sharing. The activity was then followed by a holy mass presided over by Fr. Martin Ele, CMF, and then followed by the awarding ceremony.
As the journey comes to an end, everyone is reminded of something, and that is “hope serves as a light that is best when shared, endurance is strengthened when everyone is working and helping together, and prayer serves as a lifeline that keeps passion and faith burning.” What began in Caceres, Naga, has reached Ormoc, transcending boundaries, displaying the spirit of unity together with the mission of serving Christ. Through this CYC + NYD Re-echo, everyone is reminded to live in hope, conquer challenges with a brave heart and soul, and remain steadfast in prayer. The memories and experiences built on this activity will continue to inspire the youth to answer the call to serve our Lord. Dios Mabalos!
written by Gian Lorenz Cadianza
