5th Inter Luzon Aspirants Workshop. 6 La Salle Brothers (Brs. Rey, Vince, Mandy, Mike, Ruben, Mikey and Aikee), 4 Postulants (Ignaci, Francis, Gelo and Wilson) and 19 Aspirants from Luzon attended the Mt. Samat Pilgrimage in Bataan. Together with other Catholics ages eighteen to thirty who feel drawn to a life of service in the Church, they went on a journey to the summit of Mt. Samat. The program, conceptualized by Bishop Soc Villegas, aims to assist those in the early discernment process by providing young adults an opportunity to talk about vocation and expand the appreciation of those drawn to a life of service in the Church. The aspirants have adapted the activity for the first time for the 5th Inter Luzon Aspirants Workshop (ILAW).
The experience while physically challenging was also very prayerful. Br. Vince Fernandez provided a guided reflection as the group climbed the mountain. Everyone was invited to make room for God in an intentional and specific way. In the course of the three-hour journey to the summit, the participants did not only listen for God’s guidance by meditating upon the Scripture but also enjoyed the company of one another. Upon arrival at the base of the famous Bataan Memorial Cross atop Mt. Samat, the participants were met with songs and dances organized by the parish. The pilgrimage concluded with a Mass at the Shrine of Valor grounds celebrated by Bishop Soc.
One aspirant I closely journeyed with during the climb described the experience as “awesome”. It opened his eyes to the many different considerations a vocational call brings. Sharing his experience with others undergoing the same process was helpful to his own discernment.
After the climb, the Brothers and aspirants spent the night at Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle in Bagac. The following day, November 29, was rest and recreation. Some participants went swimming while others enjoyed the beauty of the place and the company of others. The activity ended with a Prayer Service led by Br. Mandy Dujunco. The group left Bataan after lunch. Hopefully the journey helped the Aspirants gain a deeper understanding of God’s call. (Br. Rey Mejias, Vocation Promoter)
Fraternally,
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