DOPIMories

Sometimes, the greatest lessons come not from classrooms, but from the encounters with people. When I joined the DOPIM Youth Congress in Molave, Zamboanga, I expected a simple gathering like talks, activities, and meeting new people. But what I did not expect was how the experience would eventually reshape the way I see life, faith, and relationships. In just a few days, I have realized a lot of things. One of those, is how God speaks through experiences, through strangers, and through the moments we often take for granted.

At first, I was nervous about going to our foster homes. I kept asking myself, “What if strict ang tagbalay? What if makasab-an mi didto?” Yet, when I met Nanay Magno, all my fears disappeared. She welcomed me and Ate Tina warmly, fed us dinner, and even told us that she considered us like her own granddaughters in our very first meeting. That simple act of kindness moved me deeply. She made me understand that hospitality is not only about offering food or a place to stay, it is about making someone feel valued and loved. I also realized that to welcome others is to mirror Christ’s love. Just as how Nanay Magno made us feel at home in her own home.

Another special part of the congress was meeting other youth from different dioceses. I really enjoyed this because we got to know each other and joined in different activities like the recreational activities and open fora. It made me appreciate the importance of making friends, share experiences, and support one another in our faith. It also reminded me that we are not alone in our journey, since many others are walking the same path with us.

The next lesson I learned, was about the responsibility of the youth. During the talks of Rev. Ryan Jill H. Joaquin and Rev. Fr. Jomil C. Baring CSsR, I learned how powerful technology can influence our lives. Social media and Artificial Intelligence can either build us or break us. They can form our values or deform them. As young people, we are the natives of this digital world. It is very easy to fall into the traps of algorithms, trends, and even toxic comparisons. But as youth, we must be responsible users, to use social media as a tool for good, to speak truth instead of spreading hate, and to evangelize others.

One line that struck me the most, was from the homily of Bishop Edwin, “As youth, be the best of what you can be, and be the best of what the world expects you to be.” For me, this is more than just a statement, it is a mission. I realized that we, the youth, are not just the future. We are also the present. Our words, choices, and actions online and offline can influence people around us.

The last lesson was to cherish our elders. Staying with Nanay Magno reminded me of my own lola back home. I noticed how Nanay faithfully prayed the rosary, even though her family at home did not join her. Both me and Ate Tina felt her loneliness. It made me wonder how many times Nanay hoped that her family would also join her, because even I cannot deny that there is a different kind of happiness when we pray to God with our love ones.

Perhaps, somewhere around the world, many of our elders suffer quietly, even when surrounded by loved ones. They give. They serve. They pray. But sometimes it felt like they are left unnoticed. It made me see how important it is to take better care of them, to listen to their stories, to value them, and to love them while we still can. Because tomorrow is never promised and we do not know what happens next.

Looking back, DOPIM gathering was more than just a congress. It was a chance to meet God through people, talks, sharing and experiences. At first, I felt scared and unsure, but I went back with peace and direction. I learned that hospitality means opening my heart, responsibility means being a good example in today’s digital world, and valuing elders means showing love before it’s too late.

Joining the 9^th DOPIM Youth Congress was such an eye opener for me and specially for us youth. They brought us closer to God, to ourselves, and to others. They reminded us that as youth, we are not there just to participate, but to understand how to live with purpose, responsibility, and love.

A reflection of the 9th DOPIM Youth Congress by Maria Jorean D. Traya from Agusan del Sur. Jorean is a first year Biology student at Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City. She is a member of the Catholic Students’ Organization of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chaplainy, MSU Main, Marawi City.