The month of September in the Archdiocese of Davao is dedicated to celebrating the different vocations in the Church. Last September 28 - 29, 2024, the FI sisters, 6 lay partners, and 28 students from Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) participated in the Vocation Jamboree 2024 held at the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao. The two-day event had the theme "Into the Unknown: Discovering Who God Made You to Be."

The Vocation Jamboree was the culmination of the long-month celebration and was headed by Fr. Dodong Arcillas, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese Commission on Vocation, in cooperation with the REMASE, Davao Vocation Promoters, and Parish Vocation Promoters. There were 28 Religious Congregations that joined the jamboree, including the Hijas de Jesus.

The Jamboree also allowed the students and other participants from the different parishes to deepen their faith, connect with other youth, encounter different consecrated brothers and sisters, and gain a deeper understanding of their potential vocations. Through various activities, including talks, workshops, sharing, prayer, sacraments, and care for the earth the participants were able to reflect on their own lives and discern their calling.

Following the jamboree, several SMAD students expressed their gratitude for the experience and shared their positive reflections. Many said that they felt inspired and encouraged to continue their spiritual journey of discovering God’s call for them.

by Patricia Leigh N. Gonzales and Sr. Dina Galaura, F.I.