With Faith and Fire: The True Calling of Youth

Contributions of: Sydney D. Barcenas and Keyshia Catherine D. Monteiro

Youth Day—a day for the young, the light of our world, and the future of mankind. A day that speaks not only of fun, enjoyment, and youthful activities, but also of the vital role they play within our society. At Manresa School, this spirit finds a home in our cherished tradition, the Manresa Youth Day (MYD). This year, the MYD held quite a unique significance, as it was celebrated for the second time, now also commemorating the feast day of St. Candida Maria de Jesus, our mother foundress. More than just a celebration, it was a profound moment for the Filipino youth of today’s generation: determined, ambitious, and brave. It was a day that proved the fire of youth, when guided by faith, can shine brighter than ever before.

As the preparations for the event started, it was definitely not an easy task, especially with its set date nearing. The student leaders behind this year’s MYD had to act promptly in creating a celebration that was both meaningful and spiritually enriching for the entire Manresan community. Their main focus was to strike a delicate balance between what would be enjoyable for the students and what would align with the values of St. Candida Maria De Jesus, whose mission of fostering both the spiritual and moral development of young people they live by.

“I was a bit nervous, especially since it was my first time [hosting] such a big event. But still, I felt confident because I knew that I wasn’t going to do it alone … I was genuinely so happy [to see] everything [the council] planned come to life,” Keyshia Monteiro, the current SHSSG Governor, shared when asked about what it felt like to be part of planning this event, saying that with the help of the Lord and her fellow student leaders across the different departments, it was possible.

Prior to the event, there were a few preparations done as a batch, which were administered and instructed by the specific level representatives. These included listing the participants for the team-building activities and practicing the batch chant to prepare for its presentation during the big day. For many, practicing and chanting the batch chant together as one level and—for the Senior High School students—as one department, had become the highlight of their MYD as it felt so empowering to do. Through collaboration, teamwork, and spirit, everyone poured their hearts out into a common goal: supporting and motivating one another by cheering each other on. These efforts helped the SHS students look past their differences, unite as one, and foster a true sense of belonging and fraternity.

Beyond the classroom, we discover a world of opportunities to make a difference. While we are here to grow and learn, our greater purpose is to contribute to a better world for everyone. This means standing up for those who face greater challenges, creating pathways for those with limited opportunities, and championing the voices of marginalized communities. With the skills and knowledge we gain, we can empower others and help build a society where every individual can thrive.

Our access to knowledge and resources empowers us to become agents of change. It is crucial that we develop a strong sense of social awareness from an early age, embracing our responsibility to our communities and the world. With so many significant events unfolding in our country and across the globe, it's vital to take a proactive stance on the issues that affect us all, directly or indirectly. Real social change flourishes through collective effort, as we come together to speak up and take action. By fostering solidarity and collaborating with people from all walks of life, we can collectively challenge and improve the systems that shape our society.

Amidst the cheers and applause, Youth Day has always been a platform to showcase and celebrate the God-given talents everyone has within themselves. These gifts—whether expressed through a powerful performance, a thoughtful act of leadership, or the quiet strength of a dedicated team member—were not just seen; they were genuinely felt by the entire Manresan community. “It's a comforting idea that despite how different and competitive [everyone] can be with each other, we can still [come] together as one,” said Sydney Barcenas from Grade 12 - St. John STEM. “As one of the [performers] for the opening act of the program, it was fulfilling to see everyone enjoying [the moment].” 

Barcenas and her co-dancers embodied this very spirit in their performance of “Golden,” a song by the fictional group Huntrix. More than just a K-pop hit popularized by the movie “Demon Hunters,” the song carries a profound message: it is a call to embrace one's true potential and fight back against oppression. It urges a generation to look beyond their own spheres and confront the reality of the world around them. 

This powerful message is the very essence of our purpose. We are born to embody a flame ignited by both faith and action—a wildfire that, once started, even darkness cannot extinguish.