The Directors of Vocations in the Philippines - Iloilo Chapter organised a Vocation Symposium for young people from different Schools and Parishes in the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo. It was held on 11 November 2023 in Colegio de San Jose.
As the students arrived, they flocked around the colourful and attractive posters of the different Religious Congregations, Lay Associations and Seminaries in the Archdiocese which were displayed at the entrance of the School Campus.
The day started with an Invocation creatively performed by the Baganihan Dance Troupe of Colegio de San Jose followed by a Catechesis on the different Vocations in the Church given by Fr. Nathaniel Gentizon, Director of DVP- Iloilo Chapter.
The highlight of the morning was the Talk Show, Ikaw Na! (Now it’s You) The Chosen One… dynamically hosted by Fr. Fremar Silva where four religious sisters, a member of the Teresian Association and a priest were asked to share about their vocation, their charism and mission and the joys and challenges of their chosen way of life.
After having our shared lunch, the more than 300 participants had simultaneous activities they can choose from: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession, Spiritual Direction and Counselling.
The moments of silence and the prayerful atmosphere gave the young people the opportunity to reflect on God’s plan for them and listen to His call.
The day ended with a well-participated Eucharistic Celebration animated by the Choir of the local Parish.
It was indeed a reflective and enjoyable day and energizing too since we have animation exercises between the activities led by the Ang Dios Gugma (God Is Love) Youth Group and Postulants of the Dominican Order.
Let us continue to pray for the success of the forthcoming activities during this Vocation Month.
Elsie Sebastian. Iloilo City. Philippines.
