Philippines – Footprints: Vocation Candidates Trace Jesus' Path this Holy Week
Canlubang, Philippines – April 2024 – With their desire to follow Jesus’ footsteps this Holy Week, 17 young Seekers stayed at the Don Bosco Aspirantate Formation House from March 27 to March 31, Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Wanting to journey with Christ closely in these most important days of the Church, the Seekers were called to partake in the different liturgical preparations and celebrations. Fr. Jake Lopez, SDB's input about the Theology of Holy Week, followed the orientation on the first day of the retreat. This aimed to predispose and prepare the participants for what would happen during the rest of the week. On the evening of the first day, the seekers joined the Lenten Recollection facilitated by Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, they proceeded to have a Visita Iglesia among nearby Churches in Calamba on the night of Maundy Thursday. Fr. Jayson David, SDB, and Br. facilitated a Lectio Divina session throughout their stay. Paolo Romero, SDB, is conducted to help the participants prepare themselves for upcoming liturgical celebrations. These sessions occurred on the mornings of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and until Easter Sunday. Together with the Aspirants, they helped prepare the celebrations for the lay faithful at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. “Footprints” is a program of the Vocation Office designed to guide young people who are closely discerning their life’s mission. Through their participation in the different liturgies, the program intends to lead them to encounter God through moments of silence and reflection. Hopefully, it will also help them see the beauty of service and a life dedicated to God.