Last September 24, 2022, selected Senior High School and College students participated in the Archdiocesan Vocation Symposium organized by the Davao Archdiocesan Commision on Vocation and Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) with the theme, FAMILY: SEEDBED OF VOCATION.
The symposium was held at the Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) gymnasium, Catalunan Grande, Davao City. It was participated by the youth from the different parishes and Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Davao. Parents of the seminarians, parish vocation promoters and some religious men and women were also present during the said event.
It started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Reverend Father Marbendear Morallas, DCD, Seminary Formator and concelebrated by some priests of REMASE. Fr. Morallas asked the participants to be joyful and to share joy to their companions. He even encouraged them to participate actively in all the activities prepared by the facilitators. Small group sharings followed after the Mass. Those were facilitated by the seminarians. Participants were divided into more than 50 small groups and were encouraged to reflect and share the Gospel of St. John 15:9-11. The participants were very open and spontaneous as they shared their love experiences with family particularly their parents and love experiences with siblings and peers. They were also able to express their joys and struggles in life.
Booths of different religious congregations were available inside the gymnasium for the participants to meet Religious Priests, Brothers and Sisters in between activities. They got a chance to ask questions about the charism and mission or a1postolate of those congregations present. The afternoon’s activity was highlighted with the segment called “The Good Samarites” where invited speakers were present to share their personal stories. The first sharer was a couple followed by a Pauline Priest, Sacred Heart Brother, a Franciscan Sister and a lady who embraced single blessedness.
It was facilitated by Reverend Father Ronald Arcillas, DCD, Director of Davao Archdiocesan Commission on Vocation and Miss Mary Ann Almeria, DAYCA Coordinator. An open forum was done after the sharing. All questions were answered and explained well by the different speakers. It was followed by the showcase of talents by the seminarians of REMASE and the dance presentation of the San Pedro Cathedral Youth Apostolate. The Davao Vocation Promoters team also performed their animation song entitled “Magpuri ka” and invited the participants to join them.
The day was indeed a very fruitful and meaningful event for the Archdiocese of Davao. It ended with the final blessing given by Reverend Father Mark Kim Samones, DCD, Director of Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate.