By Nirva’ana Delacruz
NOVALICHES – “Itong event na ‘to, core memory ko ‘to (This event, it’s a core memory for me).”
This is how one of the young people of Program Paghilom described the Paghilom Youth Recollection and Assembly held on July 10, Wednesday, at the Cathedral-Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd, Novaliches.
‘Wonderfully made’
121 EJK youth and kids had more than half a day to reflect on the theme “I am wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) through energizers, interactive group dynamics, community singing and dancing, small group sharing, and a short talk on the theme, referencing the animated movie The Lion King.
Local youth leader Francesca Maria Duran facilitated the session, which had the young people watch clips from the movie while reflecting on their own realities and experiences.
For the first time, the Paghilom youth heard testimonies from other young people from other groups.
Guided by Paghilom facilitators, 12 members of the BEC youth of Novaliches and 6 youth leaders from the Missionary Families of Christ – Youth (MFC – Youth) of Laguna facilitated the day’s activities, which was full of laughter and bonding moments.
It was Paghilom facilitators Sally and Emil Bergonia, who are also active MFC leaders, who invited their youth ministry to help facilitate the activities.
The struggles of today’s youth
During the youth’s group sharing, Jenivive, shared in Filipino: “As a person, recently, I’ve been struggling..During your teenage years, you’re at the time when you’re struggling with confidence, with things that make you feel unworthy. [The talk] made me realize that I am wonderfully made. By the grace of God, we can overcome our fears and setbacks in life.”
For Paghilom facilitator Ludy Duran, the movie was a fitting springboard for the young people to generate insights about their own lives.
As a person, recently, I’ve been struggling..During your teenage years, you’re at the time when you’re struggling with confidence, with things that make you feel unworthy…
“They could identify with the characters in the Lion King, [with] being in power. They could identify that they have leadership,” she explained.
According to Duran, the Paghilom youth and the other young people immediately formed a bond.
“They were also happy to get to know each other in small groups…The camaraderie was easily built,” she added.
Guidance counselor Marissa Jusay, who also helps facilitate Paghilom activities, shared the same observation.
“They were happy to have a chance to communicate, and they felt right away that they are like one family,” she shared in an interview.
During the open forum, the young people themselves got to share about their experience, “Dito ko na-feel ang love. (This is where I felt love.) Love is family. Hindi ako na awkward. (I didn’t feel awkward),” shared Faye.
Separate kids’ session
Meanwhile, the Paghilom kids, aged 4 to 12, had a separate session on one of the basics of the Christian faith: the person of Jesus Christ and His love for everyone.
After singing action songs and learning dance steps together, the kids wrote down or drew what they considered to be their greatest blessings.
12-year old Athena Love Villanueva’s prayer was simple yet self-aware: “Salamat Lord kasi binigyan mo ko ng kakayahan na maging masipag at matulungin na bata at salamat kasi binigyan mo ako ng magandang buhay. (Thank You because You allowed me to be a hardworking and helpful child, and thank You for giving me a good life).”
Meanwhile, 11-year old Eldine Ray Sucgang thanked God for something people easily take for granted.
He wrote: “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Lord kasi binigyan Niya ‘ko ng utak para makapagisip ng tama at mali. At pagpapasalamat ko rin po dahil ‘di N’ya kami pinapabayaan sa araw-araw at sa mga blessing na binibigay N’ya sa family ko.” (I’m thankful to the Lord because He gave me a mind to be able to discern right and wrong. And I’m also thankful because He takes care of us everyday, and also for the blessings that He gives my family.)
Sharing the reality of God’s love
Aaron, one of the MFC Youth leaders from Laguna, shared about the challenges of living with epilepsy, poverty, and living away from his parents.
He shared in Filipino: “Before, I had so many failures. I never felt the love of family, I never felt the care..Even if I received many awards, I would go up the stage alone. I didn’t have parents.”
Aaron shared how he eventually realized the greatness of God’s love for him despite everything through a faith-based community.
“That time, I didn’t know Christ, but He was making a way to make me feel that He loved me. We are made wonderfully because He loves us, even if we don’t feel His physical presence,” he explained.
To conclude the event, everyone offered the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Antonio Labiao, Jr., the Pastoral Director of the Novaliches diocese and Rector of the Cathedral Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd.
During his homily, Fr. Labiao reminded the young people that with God’s grace and hard work, success is possible.