By Asp. Jethro Reuel D. Del Socura
30 October 2021, via Zoom and Facebook Live --The Vocation Animation Ministry Head of the FIN Province Fr. Jayson B. David, SDB, and his team organized a Youth Rosary Rally for Vocation dubbed as “PAGLALAYAG: Saan Ako Patungo”? (The Voyage: Where am I heading?).
Its goal is to accompany the young people in responding to their vocation and to guide those who are facing life challenges by giving them the notion that they are not alone in this, in the context of prayer.
The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) led a number of schools across the Philippines North Province (FIN) that participated in the event.
The inspiration for the event comes from the tale of Jesus and the Apostles, who are in a boat in the middle of a storm. They bombarded Jesus with questions while he was resting. This narrative pertains to our vocation since we have a lot of questions but don't trust God's methods.
The reflection on the five mysteries of the Holy Rosary, led by the aspirants of Don Bosco Prenovitiate Community, represents the difficulties and questions that young people may face when discerning a vocation. The event was interactive, with young people sharing their woes and the members of the Salesian Family responding to them.
It also has a rant segment where viewers are full of vocation-related questions. In response to each rant, a chosen brother, sister, or layperson will answer the questions by sharing their vocation stories. The reflective responses were given by Cl. Jerick Magsino, SDB; Sr. Janice Aguirre, FMA; Cl. Paulo Calderon, SDB; Bro. Justin Mercado, SDB; and Ms. Lee-An Rosal, a Theology professor. This innovative concept transforms the rosary rally into an experience of enlightenment for young people as they hear reflections of the responders who have also undergone similar experiences like theirs.
Different Salesian communities also participated in the event, featuring the talents from Don Bosco College—Canlubang, Don Bosco Technical Institute—Tarlac, Post-Novitiate community, Pre-Novitiate community, San Ildefonso Parish – Makati, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – Naga.
The hosts which are Br. Paolo Calderon, SDB and Ms. Pat Batalon made sure that the event is interacting with the viewers by shoutouts, giveaways and question-and-answer portions. The viewership peaked at 1,000 viewers via Zoom and Facebook live.
The comment section exploded with young people showing their utmost support and excitement.
In the latter part of the program, Fr. Jayson David, SDB expressed his thanks and appreciation to those who became part of the event. He deemed it a successful one. His jolly personality in front of the camera showed his happiness and gratitude for the event at the end of his speech.
These kinds of activities or events are exactly what the youth need to rekindle their passion for their chosen vocation. They must learn to trust God's plan for them and to follow their hearts' true wishes.
