IYC 2024: Uncovering the essence of Ignatian Community

Students, faculty members, and administrators from various Jesuit schools across the Philippines gathered in the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (ADDU-SHS) campus from 6-10 April 2024 to participate in the Ignatian Youth Camp (IYC) 2024. Spearheaded by Fr Jessel Gerard “Jboy” Gonzales SJ, IYC was created to foster a sense of community amongst Jesuit institutions through activities that center on holistic formation. Ateneo de Manila University was represented by 35 student delegates from the senior high school and 44 student delegates from the college, who were accompanied by their respective formators and administrators.

When I was first invited to participate in IYC 2024, I immediately jumped at the opportunity not knowing what it would entail. All I knew was that it would be held in Davao, and that I would be accompanied by fellow student leaders from across the country. (I was vice president of the ASHS-Sanggunian Council of Student Committees during SY ’23 - ’24.)

When the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) contingent landed in Davao, we were immediately greeted by the IYC representatives who traveled all the way to the Davao International Airport just to greet us. As the camp festivities commenced, delegates were welcomed with spectacular cultural performances, entertaining opening remarks, and a community dance that got all the campers on their feet in a flash mob-like display of enthusiasm. I went into IYC with several expectations, but each one was immediately exceeded on our very first day.

Campers were divided into four main houses, fondly referred to as "Balays," which served as the students' home groups for the entirety of the camp. Each Balay consisted of students from different schools, encouraging each one to get to know their fellow Balay members through fun-filled team activities. These activities allowed campers to form great friendships and meaningful connections with students from different backgrounds and contexts, all united by the Ignatian Pedagogy that each school has adopted in its unique way. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting our academic practices and student activities in Ateneo SHS with those of other Jesuit schools, bonding over our commonalities such as monthly masses, outreaches, and Ignatian practices, and exploring our differences. One of the favorite differences that I discovered was the 6th C of ADDU-SHS, whereas Ateneo SHS only has five C's. This 6th C turned out to be "Cultural Diversity," a value I deem to be very important in this day and age.

On the second day of the Camp, students were given the opportunity to explore the Davao region and its many diverse communities such as Talikala, Field of Dreams, and the Obo Manobo Women Highlanders Association, to name a few. Our group was assigned to the Davao Animal Rescue Shelter (DARS), which housed and rehabilitated abandoned animals, with dogs as their “specialty.” This immersion experience was truly unlike any other, for it allowed us delegates to learn about the unique practices and initiatives of our partner organization and see how these may be applied in Metro Manila. I remember conversing with one of DARS’ leaders, Ma’am Sonia, whose unmatched passion for animal rights has transformed the lives of hundreds of animals for the better.

Throughout the Camp, each Balay was presented with the opportunity to share the talents of its members through competitive activities like sports, cheer presentations, and performances that were akin to a show choir competition. Each camper was given a platform to share his/her God-given gifts with the rest of the campers, showcasing just how talented students from Jesuit institutions truly are.

Of course, no Ignatian event is complete without prayer. No day went by without a plenary morning prayer session, an early evening celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and a late evening Examen. Campers would solemnly gather at the ADDU-SHS chapel to reflect, meditate, or spiritually converse with one another. One of the things that struck me most during the Camp was the nightly Examen. Despite practicing this every week in school, the Examen that was taught to us took an approach that was somehow even more holistic and personal than what we practiced in school. During a conversation with the camp’s lead organizer, Fr Jboy Gonzales SJ, he revealed to me that the Examen was heavily incorporated into the event because of its versatility. Unlike other religious practices, the Examen allows all individuals, regardless of religious background, to tap into their innermost souls whilst reflecting on the day that had just passed. Even now (four months after the camp), I sometimes find myself subconsciously engaging in this practice after a long and tiring day.

The Ignatian Youth Camp allowed its participants to discover what it truly means to be a part of the Ignatian community, a community which transcends the walls of the schools from which we came. Despite the short amount of time that we campers spent together, IYC left all of us with filled hearts, great friendships, memories that will last a lifetime, and values that we will take with us everywhere we go. As everyone returned to their respective home, a deep sense of mission remained instilled in each camper, inviting each one to become a person for, and with our community, our country, and most especially–our God.

-Marie Amelie Michaela “Millie” Rodriguez Salita

Millie is a recent graduate of the Ateneo Senior High School and is an incoming BS Learning Science and Design (BS LEARN) student of Ateneo de Manila University. She actively advocates for transformative change in all aspects of society, most especially in education.