After three years of hiatus, the highly anticipated Vocation Camp was held again on April 29-30 in the Rogationist Seminary – Cebu with the theme: “The Synodal Journey: Response to the Voice of the Good Shepherd Today”. This year’s Vocation Camp coincided with the celebration of the 60th World Day of Prayer for vocations – one of the major celebrations of the Rogationist Congregation. As the participants arrived from various schools and parishes within Cebu, the excitement in their smiles is very evident as they claimed their name tags and looked forward to the overnight activities. The event was also graced by other religious congregations who likewise aim to promote more vocations in the Church. The camp primarily invited the youth to establish unity and participation in journeying toward a synodal Church promoting vocation. As what the St. Matthew Province would want to inculcate in every Rogationist community that “no one should be left behind, no one should walk ahead, but to journey beside, and walk together to the path of holiness”.

The participants were thrilled and stunned as the seminarians presented their opening salvo and from there, they showcased their talents. After the masters of the ceremony Ms. Nika Libron, and Sem. Ryan Bongcac’s orientation of the program, the dinner was then served and followed by the animation of the seminarians. Fr. Erwin Joey Cabilan, SDB, hooked everyone’s attention in his inspiring and astonishing talk centered on the event’s theme. The seminarians and the Rogate youth served as the facilitator as the sharing and confession followed. Each of the participants shared their thoughts, unveiling the reality of the responsibility as a youth of today to the church. Everyone was delighted and inspired as they have just made friends. The youth were filled with motivation as the Eucharistic adoration started and as they listened to the words of God, they prayed for their own vocation and for more vocations in the Church. It was midnight when the ‘Paugnat sa Kusog’ started and filled the night with songs, dances, and the various talents of the youth from the different schools and parishes.

It was dawn already and everyone prayed the Holy Rosary then followed by the Holy Mass presided by Fr. Dante Quidayan, RCJ. After the fun-filled yet holy activity, everyone enthusiastically joined the closing animation, then the ‘painit’ was served before everyone as they bid farewell to all.