PARAÑAQUE CITY (17 May 2019) – With more than 500 youth delegates from the different parishes of the Diocese of Parañaque, the Magbokasyon sa Bakasyon, which is the annual celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, was held last May 11-12, 2019 at the Father Di Francia Center of Studies, Sucat, Parañaque City.
This year’s inspiration of the Magbokasyon sa Bakasyon came from the theme of Pope Francis’ message for the 56th World Day of Prayer for Vocations: “Take a Risk for God’s Promise!”
The overnight celebration began with the registration of the participants at around 5:00PM, then followed by the opening animation and announcement of the House Rules at 6:30PM. After their registration, some of them visited the vocation booths that were set up by the religious congregations and the Diocese of Parañaque at the lobby of the Rogationist College-Parañaque.
The band from the Charismatic Youth Movement at the Holy Eucharist Parish in Moonwalk, Parañaque came to animate the participants with the worship songs for about an hour. Meanwhile, priests came over to hear the confessions of the participants. Fr. Jeff Manlapig also gave his reflections during the worship concert.
The enthronement of the Diocesan Youth Cross together with the invocation followed. The participants also welcomed the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that of St. Pedro Calungsod, which went along with the Youth Cross.
Fr. Renan Michael La Guardia, SDB, Dean and President of Don Bosco Center of Studies, gave the first talk about the youth being God’s beloved, gifted, and empowered.
Ms. Aimee Joy Bautista then shared her experiences and realizations from her participation at the World Youth Day, which took place in Panama last January 22-27, 2019.
After Ms. Bautista’s sharing, the Holy Mass followed and was presided by Fr. Ernie Sican, the Vocation Director of the Diocese of Parañaque. In his homily, Fr. Sican insisted among the youth participants about the need to pray for vocations and pray for their own vocation.
Group sharing then followed the Holy Mass. The group leaders were then given 30 minutes to share to all participants on what were reflected in their respective groups. These group leaders were religious sisters and brothers who were invited to facilitate the sharing.
At around 2:30AM of May 12, the Eucharistic Adoration followed, with Rev. Al John Provido, RCJ presiding it. After another hour, the participants watched the life of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia, which was produced by the Rogationist St. Luke Province in Latin America.
The Holy Rosary was then recited, together with meditations.
Breakfast was then served at around 5:00AM, which concluded the celebration.
Bro. Christian Allan R. De Sagun, RCJ
