Grace-filled and enriching experience

On 25th March, the feast day of our Congregation, we - the community of Stella Maris - had the privilege of attending the Vocation Jamboree (Vocation Camp) held on the campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

UST is one of the most significant Catholic universities in Asia, with a deeply rooted identity shaped by faith, history, and academic excellence. The entire program was thoughtfully planned and well organized, beautifully reflecting its rich Catholic and Dominican spirit.

As this was my first experience of such an event in the Philippines, it was both very positive and enriching. I could clearly perceive the importance the university gives to guiding its students in discerning religious and priestly vocations. Many students visited our booth to learn about our Congregation and received our informational leaflets, while also engaging with other congregations present.

In addition, I was invited to give two talks to students by Prof. Dr. Brillo, who had been a fellow participant in the Russell Berrie Grant Program at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), through which I too received support for my studies. We had previously met during a gathering in Rome in 2018 organized by the program’s sponsors. Remembering this connection, he kindly invited me to address his students on religious life and the charism of our Congregation in two separate class sessions.

The students, aged between 18 and 20, showed keen interest, and some even expressed a desire to know more about our way of life. I was also happy to learn that three other recipients of the same Russell Berrie Grant Program are now serving as professors at UST. The remaining members of the group include two priests—one a parish priest and the other a seminary procurator. They expressed their willingness to support us in promoting vocations and to provide opportunities to speak to their students about our Congregation. We entrust these intentions to God, praying that His will be fulfilled.

On the whole, it was a grace-filled and enriching experience for our community, especially on such a significant day of our Congregation. We pray that this gathering may inspire many young hearts to respond generously to God’s call.