In celebration of its annual summer youth mission, the Dehonian Youth Missionaries blissfully accepted the challenge to share the good news to the people of Sitio Man-ai, Tignapoloan under the Chaplaincy of Jesus Nazareno in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City. In unity with the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, this year’s theme of the mission is: “Renewed Young Dehonians for the New Evangelization”.

The summer mission was joyfully participated by 20 young missionaries from different parishes and chapels of Cagayan de Oro. The summer mission started with a Three (3) day formation seminar last May 16 – 18, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Formation House, Aluba. During the seminar, the missionaries underwent spiritual, human and community formations. Inputs on Missiology, Catechism and Flores de Mayo were given for the spiritual formation. They joined the daily communal prayers in the community which includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, morning & evening prayers, recollection and Taizé Prayer. They have also undergone through a team building activities before they were sent off in the mission area at “Sagrado Corazon de Jesus” chapel in Man – ai last May 19 – 27, 2018.

The missionaries happily arrived in Man-ai last May 19, 2018 in the afternoon and they were then able to meet the people in the area. The missionaries were divided in three groups to handle the kids, youth and adults. Every morning, the missionaries visited and spent time with the families in the area through blessing their homes and having a bible sharing. In the afternoon, they conducted activities that could help community in Man – ai. The missionaries facilitated recollection and Taizé Prayer for the youth and adult. Activities given for the kids focused on catechizing and teaching them the basic prayers and the Holy Rosary and sharing unto them several biblical stories.

The missionaries assigned in the youth facilitated team building, leadership training, catechism, BEC and Youth Formation session while the group assigned in the adults engaged themselves by being with them through BEC sharing.

The Lay Dehonians also participated in the mission by giving some snacks and toiletries for the children which made them very happy as well.

Having experienced the life in Man-ai with God and with the community, the missionaries were inspired and encouraged to appreciate what they have at present and to extend their hands to the needy and to be fully renewed for the goodness of His people.

Vivat Cor Jesu!

By: Junas Malana & Alver Mark Tabunda

Edited by: Emmalyn Bizar Uayan