Maluso, Basilan (November 09, 2026)
There are gatherings that easily slips our minds, and there are encounters that leave an indelible imprint in our souls. The Claret Youth Camp 2026 Re-Echo, anchored on the theme “Solidarity in Love, Mission in Action” was more than just a convergence of young people; it was a journey of faith, fellowship, and a shared apostolic calling.
With over 107 participants, 10 facilitators, and 31 core group members, the gathering became a testament to what happens when young hearts are in the joy of one calling and one purpose: to love fully, serve the people, and becoming a witness of God’s compassion.
In verbatim of the words of the Camp Master, Mayora Cecilia Loculan, “Our mission is possible when faith transcends familiarity. We are a community of young people discovering that faith is not meant to remain dormant within the confines of a chapel, but must find expression in the ordinary, tangible realities of human existence”
The second day started with an activity that challenged the delegates to venture beyond their comfort zones. Under the first session: Mission Possible facilitated by Ms. Kaye A. Adelantar, she reminded us that we as youth mattered and we have a mission that would change the world.
The task was deceptively simple: gather the ingredients of arroz caldo with their personal money as their last resort. Under the blazing heat of the sun and with anxious minds, our participants built the courage to knock on a stranger’s door to ask for help. There were rejections, expectations, and fear, however with helping hands, they managed to make ends meet.
After navigating the generous neighborhood community, it was a mission accomplished when delegates finally served their hard work to their loved visitors from the children of the sama-bajao community. They danced, played, and showcased that even suffering and sacrifices can lead to a genuine smile.
After the activity, Ms. Justin Viaca offered her wisdom by sharing the value of sacrifice and friendship. Indeed, the warmth of the arroz caldo was a modest reflection of something greater; the warmth of humanity cultivated through compassion. For every ingredient gathered, there is a lesson waiting to be discerned.
In session 3: The Claretian Youth in the Digital world by Mr. Clymarc F. Cantay, illuminated the significance of responsible citizenship and missionary responsibility that accompanies one’s online presence. He tasked the delegates to document every activity during the camp and wrap it up as a video to empower technology through the youth that became conscientious heralds of truth and compassion.
For the final session, it covers the heartbeat: The rhythm of a Missionary heart. Perhaps one of the most introspective moments of the gathering unfolded during Session 4: HEART-BEAT FRAMEWORK facilitated by Ms. Ivy Gail Timoteo. She accentuated that the indispensable relationship between reflection and action in developing young leaders. Through personal contemplation, group sharing, and the symbolic heartbeat commitment activity, delegates were given the opportunity to acknowledge their struggles and identify the concrete actions they wished to undertake. It was a poignant reminder that leadership is not synonymous with authority or prominence. Rather, genuine leadership emanates from empathy, attentive listening, and the courage to transform personal convictions into meaningful actions. For how can one become an instrument of change without first learning to listen? How can we genuinely serve others without understanding the very heart of every struggles?
Beyond all those sessions, the essence of the camp came from the silent prayers from the walking rosary, taizé, the holy eucharist, praise and worship, and fellowship. Each spiritual encounter provided an opportunity for the delegates to deepen their relationship of God, which is what is paramount in this calling.
As they return to their families, schools, and parishes, they still carry the mission that hopefully did not conclude with the closing program. It begins anew in every opportunity to help, every decision to choose kindness, and every moment when love is made tangible.
Under the same stars, staring at the same old group of constellations, I imagined that we shine brighter when connected. So even when the constellations shift, we are still connected in one purpose. Just like the stars above, we don’t actually shine, but we inconspicuously burn.
And perhaps, that is the most profound lesson of the Claret Youth Camp 2026 Re-Echo: That the world does not merely need young people who speak eloquently of love, but young people who posses the audacity to embody it.
We are Claretians. We are Missionaries. And wherever love calls us, there our missions begin. Right? Period.
By Mayora Cecilia
