Synodality is a term that the Catholic Church is very synonymous with. It means, to journey together. The word Catholic, meaning universal, implies that all its members should walk together as pilgrims towards the Kingdom of God without leaving anybody behind. For this reason, the Diocesan Youth Ministry decided to use “synodality” for the 2022 Youth Camp to emphasize among the youth that nobody should be left behind.
The three-day Youth Camp was held on the island of Tinian from the 3rd to the 5th of September. Almost two hundred (200) participants came to meet, greet, and have fun under the sun. Games, cultural presentations, prayers and reflections, and food were enjoyed not only by the youth but by the older participants as well including some parents, and members of the clergy and religious nuns.
The first day was dedicated to meet and greet other participants. They were divided into teams composed of participants from every parish. In the afternoon, a game of basketball was held. The gymnasium was filled with cheers and other loud noises and people cheered for everybody. Evening came and a cultural presentation followed the delicious dinner. Participants danced and did musical performances. It was truly an evening that brought to light so many hidden talents. There were also some fun games to fill in each gap while other performers are preparing for their turn. The rain came, but even that did not dampen the spirit of the participants; it even added to the fun as kids started to dance under the soaking rain. This schedule was repeated on the second day. However, a special volleyball game between the selected youth participants and members of the clergy was held. Let us just say that the clergy, headed by Bishop Ryan, did not go easy on their opponent. Although they lost, everybody won because everyone had a good clean fun during the game. The afternoon came and everybody prepared for the celebration of the Holy Mass. Bishop Ryan led everybody to a spirit-filled celebration. The dedicated youth choir of the Parish of San Jose, Tinian did an awesome job in leading everyone in singing. Dinner followed, and part 2 of the cultural presentation was held.
The third day was perhaps the most difficult day as we had to face the fact that we had to say our “goodbyes” or “see you later”. With our sore bodies, we had to clean up, fix our tents back, take last-minute selfies and groupies, and give hugs and fist bumps. One by one, buses started to come to pick up and bring the participants to the airport. It was, as I have mentioned earlier, a sad day. But in the end, memories will live on forever in everyone’s heart. The joy and laughter, the struggles and the pain will be forever etched in our memories.
It was generally a successful event, not only because of the huge turnout of participants but because of the support of so many people. Firstly, the Parish of San Jose, Tinian, and the “Crusaders” worked very hard to make sure that all are accommodated, comfortable, and safe. Secondly, the following benefactors who sponsored our events: NAOPO (National Association of Pasifika Organizations, Marianas Health Services Inc. and its President, Mr. George Cruz, Marianas Health LLC, and the Tinian Mayor’s Office. The clergy and religious who came to celebrate synodality with the youth of the diocese also gave the gift of witnessing the beauty of the Church. Parents and guardians also played a very important role in this event as they are the ones who gave the ultimate “Yes” so that all these young people can come and camp together. We are grateful to you all, always.
