By: , Ethaña Ramones
WE BELONG TOGETHER. Letran Dominican Network (Domnet) Youth Group with their adviser, theology department assistant professor Manuel Zamora, Jr. (Second from left) at their pilgrimage in the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas that was held on December 8, 2018.
Along with the celebration of the Feast of Immaculate Conception last December 8, 2018, the Letran DomNet Youth Group (LDYG) together with their adviser Asst. Prof. Manuel Zamora, Jr. joins Pilgrimage 2018 entitled “Vade Mecum: Walk with Me” with a goal of instilling prayer as a means of recollecting and a way to communicate with God.
Conveying the words of God and looking after the spiritual welfare of the Letran community are the main thrusts of LDYG in the campus. During the pilgrimage, Dominican Network of Schools, Colleges, and Universities prayed and traveled together to promote their devotion.
The first itinerary on the list is San Pedro Apostol Parish in the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna where pilgrims attended a mass in the celebration of Immaculate Conception.
Second on the list is the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas brought astonishment to LDYG through its spectacular scenery and solemn ambiance full of fervent devotion to St. Padre Pio Pietrelcina.
The participants enjoyed different attractions such as the main church, Divine Mercy Pilgrim Center, Chapel of Reconciliation, Belfry, Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, St. Padre Pio Fountain of Hope, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Holy Water Sanctuary and the Way of the Cross Park.
When asked how the pilgrimage went, Alyzza Sobrino, a member of LDYG replied, “Masaya kasi you can explore different places and churches and at the same time you’re learning about the different practices and histories of each places that we’ve visited.”
Martin Aguilar, another member then added that it was a good experience. “Masaya siya. Pero kailangan pa niya ng structure if ever na may sasama na talaga na di pa solid member ng LDYG.”
Alongside with the solemnity of the journey, DomNet members spent the whole afternoon traveling to the last destination, which was the Convent of the Pink Sisters.
For their final destination, members attended a mass to contemplate on their personal experiences. This also served as the time to take an opportunity to have a sincere moment with God.
Meanwhile, LDYG President Emil Carreon told The LANCE that the pilgrimage was made possible through the help of the DomNet organizing committee and Vice President of Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. John Stephen Besa, O. P.
“Though, of course we have encountered problems as we organize the event, we still managed to fulfill the essence of having the pilgrimage, so that in the next year hopefully we may be able to deliver a better program and structure for the said event,” Carreon revealed.
“However, overall I do think that it was a success, the essence of the activity relies on the inculcation of a sense of spirituality in travel and I think we have fulfilled that aspect in this simple endeavor,” he continued.
Lastly, he leaves a message to the whole Letran Community to become active on being good, believe in faith, imbibe the Dominican way as the church promulgated the year of the youth and urged every Letranite to be spiritually and socially active for the glory of Deus, Patria, Letran.
(First published on The LANCE's Nov-Dec 2018 Issue)