21/08/2026
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐๐โจ๏ธ
During this day on August 21 2026, a memorable moment came to gift the RAY students of Balamban that created an experience never before. We were invited to celebrate with other fellow Parish members from different communities to enjoy and reflect Godโs gift to each one of us through the smiles and love that our brothers and sisters carry, making us one with Christ.
This was emphasized more clearly when we welcomed this event through the Holy Mass led by Father Niรฑo Tamayo as he stated,
โWala ka nag-inusara sa imong panaw, uban ta." These simple words gave a deep meaning to the recently concluded 3rd SJS Vicariate Youth Camp held in Matab-ang, Toledo City, centered on the theme, "Uban kita sa panaw isip buhi ug malig-on na simbahan." During his homily, Fr. Niรฑo reflected on the greatest commandments: to love God and to love your neighbor.
In a digital world where online connections often replace real-life presence, the camp proved that genuine gatherings are irreplaceable, reminding us that amidst school projects, exams, and busy schedules, God must remain our priority, with our love for Him translated into service for others. Every person at the camp served as a precious gift and an instrument of God's love, and as we return to our daily routines, we carry with us a lingering question for reflection: "Ginoo, unsa ang rason nga ania ako, ug unsa ang gusto Nimo nga makat-onan ko?" As a community and a living church, let us continue walking this journey together.
Beyond the reflections and spiritual lessons, the camp also gave us the opportunity to learn more about servant-leadership. We were reminded that true leadership is not simply about leading others, but about having the heart to serve, listen, understand, and put others before ourselves. It taught us that as young people and members of the Church, we can lead through humility, compassion, and service, becoming instruments of Godโs love in our own communities.
The camp was also filled with moments of joy through the different fun games and activities prepared for us. These moments allowed us to laugh, cooperate, encourage one another, and create memories beyond the usual routines we experience at school and in our respective communities. More than just games, they became opportunities for us to build connections and strengthen the sense of fellowship among the youth.
One of the most memorable parts was being able to meet new people and form new friendships. Coming from different parishes and communities, we initially came as strangers, but through conversations, activities, and shared experiences, we slowly became companions in the same journey of faith. It reminded us that the Church becomes stronger when we open ourselves to others and recognize that we are all part of one community.
As the camp came to its final part, we were also given the opportunity to participate in a parish immersion. This allowed us to experience and appreciate the life of another parish community, seeing how faith, service, and fellowship are lived out by its people. The immersion gave us a deeper understanding that the Church is not only a place where we gather for Mass, but a living community where everyone has a role to play and where each person can become a servant of God and of others.
Ultimately, the 3rd SJS Vicariate Youth Camp became more than just an event. It became a journey of faith, service, friendship, and self-discovery. We came together from different communities, shared our stories and experiences, learned to serve as servant-leaders, laughed through games, welcomed new friendships, and immersed ourselves in another parish community. Through all these experiences, we were reminded that wherever our journey takes us, we do not walk alone. Uban kita sa panawโuban sa usag usa, uban sa simbahan, ug labaw sa tanan, uban sa Ginoo.
โ๏ธ: Zoei Jamilla and Zaira Odevilas
๐ท: Kristana Pacquiao and Kristoff Emperado | ๐ท๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
