THE DOMINICAN spirit of fellowship is very much active, if the Dominican Youth Network (DOMNET) Youth Vigil last month will be the gauge.
Nearly a hundred students from various Metro Manila schools converged at the UST Sports Complex last Nov. 27 and 28 to celebrate Domnet’s ninth anniversary, with the theme “Sama Tayo…Buklurang Dominikano.”
Aside from the youth vigil, parallel sessions on family, culture, spirituality and vocation, education, and social relationships were also held at the Ecclesiastical Faculties.
In “Promotion of Peace in Ordinary Ways,” Prof. Mary Ericka Bolaños of the UST Institute of Religion stressed that peace comes with respect for human dignity. She explained that one should practice stewardship and be accountable for one’s actions in order to achieve harmony.
“Peace begins with yourself, how you relate with yourself, then to others and to the world. It helps to see the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ,” Bolaños said.
Meanwhile, in “Building a Strong Sense of Nationalism and Patriotism,” Prof. Reynald Trillana said the true Filipino nationalist should be dedicated in making the nation a better place.
Trillana, social sciences coordinator of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, urged the participants to find their niche in today’s cosmopolitan society and use their talents for the country.
On the lighter side, the delegates had fun playing Amazing Race and witnessing a mini-concert by Thomasian performers before proceeding to the vigil, which included a rite of commitment and recitation of the Holy Rosary. The event ended with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Faculty of Philosophy Dean Fr. John Funelas, O.P.
The youth vigil was in preparation for the national Domnet youth festival in summer. Kathleen T. Valle and Ruby Anne R. Pascua
