Journey to the Call: Vocation Jamboree & Lakbay-Laum 2025 Culmination

Over 1,007 youth from different parishes and Catholic schools gathered to celebrate faith, hope, and holiness last November 29–30, 2025, at the Regional Major Seminary, Catalunan Grande, Davao City. Traditionally, the Vocation Month has been celebrated in September, but beginning this year, and to align with the National Celebration of Vocation Month, the Archdiocese now observes it in November. The Commission on Vocation, in partnership with the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA), organized the Vocation Jamboree, which also served as the culmination of Lakbay-Laum.

Lakbay-Laum is a pilgrimage program led by DAYCA for the Jubilee Year of Hope. Its purpose is to help young people grow in faith, reflection, and spiritual renewal, recognizing them as bearers of hope for the Church and society. It was launched on February 8, 2025, and its culmination was celebrated during the Vocation Jamboree.

The message of the celebration was simple yet profound: Called to Holiness. The Commission on Vocation’s theme song, Tawag sa Pagkabalaan, conveys this clearly, while our responses to God’s call may differ whether single blessedness, married life, religious life, or priesthood, we are all called to holiness.

The program, held at REMASE, was an overnight gathering that welcomed participants from various parishes, Catholic schools, vocation promoters, congregations, and seminarians from both St. Francis Xavier College Seminary and the Regional Major Seminary. Everyone arrived eager to celebrate. The day began with animations and roll calls, followed by the opening liturgy, which marked the formal culmination of Lakbay-Laum. The Youth Cross and the image of St. John Paul II were solemnly carried in procession by the DAYCA core group into the REMASE Gym, accompanied by the reading of the Gospel, a meaningful symbol of the journey shared by the youth as the cross and image traveled around the Archdiocese throughout the year.

Fr. Junel Bustamante, DAYCA Director, officially opened the Vocation Jamboree, emphasizing that the Vocation Jamboree and Lakbay-Laum are not separate events, but one beautiful celebration of God’s call. He reminded everyone that vocation is not just a moment but a journey; not just an invitation, but a mission.

The animation and singing competition followed, with Virgen de los Remedios emerging as champion, performing the theme Tawag sa Pagkabalaan alongside the other contestants.

A short but meaningful talk was given by Rev. Fr. Ronald “Dodong” Arcillas, Vocation Director and fondly known as Fr. Dodong, emphasizing the message of being “Called to Holiness.” This served as preparation for the group sharing facilitated by the Young Adult Group under the Commission on Vocation, together with the seminarians of REMASE, led by Sem. Dave Saludo and Sem. Rohuan Alberto.

The group sharing provided space for the youth to express their thoughts, feelings, and questions during their periods of discernment. In return, the seminarians shared their vocation stories, offering inspiration and hope. After the sharing came fellowship dinner and preparations for the evening activities.

The Socialization Night, prepared mainly by the CY1 and REMASE seminarians, brought joy, laughter, and meaningful messages through performances and presentations. Fr. Dodong highlighted that the gathering embodied the DAYCA rationale of Lakbay-Laum, fostering an encounter that deepens the sense of vocation of the youth and their journey toward God’s call. Different vicariates showcased their talents in dance and song, creating a lively night of bonding and creativity. This was followed by a solemn Worship Night and the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

At 4:15 a.m. the following day, the community prayed the Holy Rosary in procession around the seminary, leading up to the culminating Mass at 5:00 a.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Reynaldo “Rene” Retardo, ReMaSe Rector. He emphasized the meaning of Advent, highlighting the significance of each letter: A for the Arrival of Christ in our lives, which calls us to Discern and recognize His presence; V for Vigilance, remaining alert and awake in faith; E for Embracing Christ’s light in our hearts and actions; N for a Nourished hope that sustains us; and T for our Total commitment to Christ.

He was joined by concelebrants Rev. Fr. Ronald Arcillas (Vocation Director), Rev. Fr. Junel Bustamante (DAYCA Director), Fr. Angelo Espinas (Assistant DAYCA Director), Rev. Fr. William B. Lluvido of the Piarist Fathers, and the deacons Rev. Resty Joy Cabahug, Rev. Jessie Joseph Canonigo, and Rev. Perry Neil Patayon.

Before the final blessing, the youth witnessed the symbolic turnover of the Pilgrimage Cross and the image of St. John Paul II, along with the commissioning of the youth as bearers of hope. This meaningful ceremony was led by Fr. Junel, together with John Anthony Camangyan, who formally passed these symbols of faith and mission to Ramel Pamplona.

In his words of gratitude, John Anthony, affectionately known as Kuya Dolly to the youth, encouraged the young people to always keep the hope alive, even when others are tempted to give up. He reminded them that God calls each of them to courage that is gentle, humble, and steadfast. He concluded by entrusting his hopes and prayers to the next leaders who will guide the youth of the Archdiocese, inspiring them to continue the mission with faith and love.

The youth of the Archdiocese are grateful to John Anthony and the rest of the transitioning DAYCA core group leaders, not only for leading this memorable activity, but also for their years of dedicated service through countless formations, activities, and selfless sacrifices. Their unwavering commitment continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of young leaders in faith.

Though the activity was packed, it was deeply meaningful, another milestone for the Archdiocese in gathering its young people and echoing the message of the Call to Holiness. It became a radiant celebration of faith, hope, and community, leaving the youth inspired and renewed, a fitting preparation as we joyfully enter the season of Advent. (Jonalen Asares)