Vocation Jamboree 2023: a Youth Facilitator’s Unforgettable Experience
By Fritzy Norrelyn C. Vertucio (DBYC Lawaan youth)
The Vocation Jamboree 2023(Vocjam) in USJR, Basak Cebu, held last February 25-26, was an exciting event that brought together students, young professionals, the religious and clergy to celebrate the value of religious vocation. As a facilitator and animator at the event, I had the opportunity to interact with young people and help them navigate the various activities and workshops that we had during the entire night of the Vocjam.
One of the key roles of a facilitator at the Jamboree was to assist a group of students throughout the different activities and workshops that were available. This involved providing information about the workshops, helping them find the right location, and answering any questions they had about the activities. It was an enjoyable experience to help them have a glimpse of a different kind of life that involved a total giving of oneself.
Aside from being a facilitator, I also acted as an animator and my role was to create fun and engaging atmosphere for the participants. We organized games, activities, and dances that would keep everyone entertained and excited throughout the night.
This year’s Vocation Jamboree featured a talk with Rix the Seminarian, a famous religious vlogger. He gave an inspiring input about holding on to God’s hand and following His footsteps, even if it requires a total surrendering of one’s life to Him. There was also an open forum with the Archbishop of Cebu, Most Reverend Jose Palma, DD. It was a wonderful moment to hear great wisdom from the father of the Archdiocese. One thing that I got from him was to always trust in God in all thing in life.
Since it was a gathering of youth, there was also a praise and worship session that brought everyone to their feet as they sing and dance their heart out. It was followed by Taize that calmed everyone’s spirit. The Vocjam concluded with a Holy Mass.
One of the most rewarding aspects I experienced at the Jamboree was the opportunity to interact with different people from the different religious congregations. I had the chance to learn from them what their life is and how they are able to fulfill their difficult duties of serving the Church and its people.
Overall, the Vocational Jamboree 2023 was a fantastic event that provided young people such as myself with valuable new learning opportunities. We were able to see that beyond the conventional life the world offers is another kind that is more challenging yet more rewarding. I am looking forward to the next Vocation Jamboree.
