Vocation Jamboree 2015 in Cebu

Last February 28- March 1, 2015, the Archdiocese of Cebu held a Vocation Jamboree at the University of San Jose Recoletos, Basak, Cebu City. The theme of the event was “Tawag sa Pagkabalaan: Bokasyon Natong tanan!”

The community of Sacred Heart School-Cebu, with personnel from the Guidance Office, prepared the Hijas de Jesus tent and other materials for giveaways such as brochures, sayings of Mother Candida, and some game paraphernalia.

They also prepared games and “pakulo” such as Spin Screen and spin to win, “Express yourself” board, and “Try to be an F.I.” image; all the young girls have to do is fit their face into the hole, and “Voila!”, a new Hija de Jesus. (see photos..)

The tents of the different congregations, together with colorful buntings, were a sight to behold on the school’s vast football field, creating a festive, fiesta-like atmosphere. Around 8,000 young people and young professionals gathered for the jamboree. Divided into three groups—blue, yellow, and green—the participants took part in various activities throughout the night, making the overnight jamboree an exciting and joyful way of discovering and presenting the call to consecrated life.

While one group went from tent to tent, learning more about the different congregations, another spent time in Eucharistic Adoration and praying the Rosary. Meanwhile, the third group watched a film, followed by a time for personal reflection and sharing. The groups then rotated through the different activities, allowing everyone to experience the various dimensions of the evening.

When the whole group was gathered together at the main grounds, there was singing and dancing, vocal solos and choirs made up of priests and nuns themselves, and some youth groups showcasing inexhaustible talents and gifts.

The Jamboree culminated in a Eucharistic Celebration at 4:30 A.M. the next day with no less than Archbishop Jose Palma as the main celebrant, and priests from all the participating congregations concelebrating. What was awe-inspiring was the open commitment made by quite many young participants towards the end of the Mass: that they would become priests and nuns in the future as they received the blessing from the Archbishop. May their desire be accomplished, if God wills it, as Mother Candida would always say.

Written by LeeFI