PDDM Centenary VOCATION JAMBOREE

The PDDM Philippine-Taiwan-Kong Kong Province held a Vocation Jamboree last August 19, 2023 at the covered court of Alagad ni Maria Seminary in Antipolo City.

The event was in view of the centenary celebration of the PDDM in 2024. It was made possible and more mea

ningful with collaboration of the Pauline Family, Alagad ni Maria, Saint John Paul II Minor Seminary, and the Diocese of Antipolo.

About 200 young people coming from different groups: Rabboni Youth, Antipolo Cathedral Youth, Alagad ni Maria Youth, and other invited guests gathered to participate in the event.

The PDDM and other members of the Pauline Family-- the Society of St. Paul, Daughters of St. Paul, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation and Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel, were able to promote the Pauline vocation to these young people. The seminarians of Alagad ni Maria and of Saint John Paull II Seminary also inspired the youth with their joyful presence.

The jamboree had the theme "In the footsteps of Jesus: Listen, Accompany, Announce the Word of Jesus who tells us KEEP MOVING FORWARD." Sr. M. Anthony Basa, PDDM PTH Provincial Superior, gave an introduction on the theme. The main speaker, Sr. M. Gemmaria De la Cruz, FSP presented a profound, witty and touching input about the given theme. She ushered the youth to listen to and recognize their different realities today. She was able to make them realize that Jesus was the first to experience all sorts of "hurts" but was able to redeemed them all through his passion, death, resurrection and ascension. This truth became the source of hope and consolation for the young people present who were able to express themselves in group sharing session.

The gathering was just a primer of the big event we expect to happen in November. There will be a PDDM World Youth Day set on November 25, 2023. This will bring together the many youth groups from different parts of the world where the PDDM congregation is present, and all will be connected online.

The event culminated with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Ivan Fenequito, the Vocation Director of the Diocese of Antipolo and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Sammy Torrefranca, SSP.

We thank the PDDM sisters and formation group headed by Sr. M. Christina Guadalquiver, as well as the other vocation directors who were present for making the event possible. We praise Jesus the eternal Shepherd of souls. May He send more good and holy vocations to his vineyard.