NEWS

Youth Volunteers from the Jesuit Mission Station in Caloocan Undergo the NCAF Leadership Journey

On July 13 to 14, 2019, at the St. Paul Center for Renewal, in Alfonso Cavite, forty-five (45) Youth Volunteers from the Jesuit Mission Station in Caloocan underwent the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey (NCALJ). A number of volunteers are from families with extrajudicial killing (EJK) cases.

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The participants spent two (2) days resting, reflecting, and learning about Ninoy and Cory’s brand of spiritual-leadership. Looking back at key experiences in their lives, they recalled moments when they felt loved and cared for, as well as people who have inspired them to care and serve others in return. After writing down highlights of their journey in the “Kuwentong Buhay” activity, participants were divided into their groups and each was given an opportunity to share a part of his or her life-journey.

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The participants also got a chance to hear testimonies from two (2) speakers: Jesuit Volunteer Program (JVP) volunteer Gladys Badlon and Ateneo de Manila University’s former Associate Dean for Formation, Roberto “Bobby” Guevarra. Ms. Badlon recalled her own experiences as a servant leader, remembering stories from her childhood and experiences working at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Campus Ministry Office (CMO). She also identified people in her life who have inspired and continue to inspire her to serve and share love to the people she encounters, as well as her journey in becoming a JVP volunteer. Mr. Guevarra focused on the realities that the participants may face upon returning to their respective duties and responsibilities as leaders. He mentioned that service and love entail a certain risk, but invited the participants to face these risks knowing that God will always be there to guide and care for them.

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The program ended with a mass and the participants sharing the lessons they’ve learned from the two-day journey. One participant shared, “I should tell the world about God’s love. Be a living witness of God’s love no matter how hard and happy the situation is so we can lead them to God’s love.” Another participant realized that, “Surrendering yourself to God and loving him back is the greatest feeling to feel.”