My special "JourKnights" journey

I am Lance Ceralde, a Grade 6 student who has been an altar server at the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) Chapel of the Holy Guardian Angels since Grade 4. I continue to serve to this day and was elected as captain of the Knights of Christ club this school year. Knights of Christ is one of the many co-curricular activities (COCA) at AGS. Serving at the daily morning Mass and during school-wide Mass celebrations brings immense joy to my heart. 

The most remarkable experience I have had this year was participating in the COCA activity, “JourKnights, Knights on a Journey.” This special and meaningful educational trip was organized by our AGS Campus Ministry and the Knights of Christ moderators: Sir Jeff Velasco, Ms Rose Ann Reballos, Sir Donald Polilio, and Sir Anthony Patrick Fernandez. For me, JourKnights was a truly meaningful and memorable experience. It provided an incredible opportunity to explore various chapels within Ateneo de Manila University and to meet the dedicated individuals assigned to those chapels. Ateneo is deeply committed to offering holistic faith formation and spiritual programs, providing support and guidance to Ateneo students, faculty, and staff of the grade school, aligning with Ignatian principles and reflections that form servant-leaders who have an intimate and faithful relationship with Christ.

JourKnights for Grades 5 and 6 took place on 8 April 2025. On that day, we traveled by campus e-jeep from the AGS lobby to the Saint Stanislaus Kostka chapel at the Ateneo Junior High School. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by an AJHS campus minister, Sir TJ Sunga, who shared the captivating history of the chapel and led us in prayer. We took a moment to observe and sit inside the beautiful chapel, which was quite spacious and adorned with numerous images of saints and had a high ceiling. Additionally, there was an adoration chapel. The minister explained the Latin inscriptions on the altar backdrop and recounted the story of Saint Stanislaus Kostka. I was fascinated to learn that in his youth, Saint Stanislaus Kostka traveled a great distance from his home in Rome to pursue his desire to become a Jesuit. The junior high campus minister encouraged us to join the Ateneo Liturgical Ministry (ALM) if we are interested in continuing our service when we transition to high school.

After visiting the AJHS chapel, we proceeded to our next destination, the Ateneo Senior High School Chapel, also known as the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Chapel. Bro Rui Oliveros SJ, a Jesuit brother; and Fr Noel “Weng” Bava SJ, ASHS chaplain, warmly welcomed us and shared insightful information about the chapel. One of the most remarkable stories I remember is about the chapel's inspiring theme, which embodies the principles of "Laudato Si." The chapel features a modern design and includes a confessional. Fr Weng encouraged us to pray for guidance if we feel a calling and to consider pursuing a vocation as a Jesuit brother or priest if we are interested.

Our third and last destination was the Ateneo College Chapel or “The Immaculate Conception Chapel. There, we were greeted by a campus minister, Sir Joselito Mercado or Sir Joey, who provided us with information about the chapel before we prayed. I was captivated by the chapel's design, particularly the beautiful cross at the altar, which is both large and simple, and yet very beautiful. The sacristy door is located directly behind the altar. Overall, the chapel exudes a sense of solemnity.

As a graduating sixth-grade student, this year marks my final journey in the Ateneo Grade School and my experience in JourKnights has profoundly shaped my perspective. 

I am very grateful to everyone who has been part of this remarkable experience, especially those who guided me at the AGS Chapel of the Holy Guardian Angels, which I consider my happy place and spiritual home during my three years of service as a mass server with the Knights of Christ. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Knights of Christ moderators for their teachings and advice, which have helped shape us to grow closer to God, remain kind, and strive for personal development not only in academics but also in character. I would also like to express my special gratitude to all the priests who served during the morning and school-wide Masses, particularly to our AGS Chaplain, Fr Vic de Jesus SJ, who consistently reminded us of the true value of service and encouraged us to hold on to the values and lessons imparted by our teachers and parents, especially the Ignatian principles that our school has instilled in us. Lastly, I will always cherish the friendships and bonding moments with my fellow altar servers, who were not only clubmates but also true brothers in Christ. For me, serving at the morning Mass became more than just a task; it evolved into a profound act of worship and a way of offering myself to God. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate the Ignatian formation that has shaped me. I have also learned the importance of prayer, regular attendance at Holy Mass, and embodying Christ-like values in a world often driven by distractions and worldly pursuits. Most importantly, I have grown in my desire to love and serve God and those around me as a servant leader. 

I am also eagerly looking forward to continuing my service at the AJHS chapel soon. As we journey on, I hope we will all grow even closer to God, learn more of His teachings, and cherish them. Always remember that we are never alone, and that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way. A fulfilling life is characterized by leadership that inspires, love that connects, service that serves others, and a deep commitment to glorifying God.