Youth & Vocation

A Reflection on the Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 by Aspirant Cheval Biwang

I find that saying yes is often the easier answer to most situations. People would not usually question it. A “no” on the other hand raises a lot of questions like “why not?” However, it wasn’t until this recent Vocation Camp that I realized that for the past two years I did not know what I was really saying “yes” to. Was it to join the BLIP? To become a contact? To join the gatherings? To become an aspirant? I never knew that it was also important to ask questions whenever we respond in the affirmative to a call.

I remember seeing the “Yes Bro!” shirt for the first time. It was white with green letters. “Cool design” I thought. I never really looked deeper. Then I got my own shirt when I joined the live-in program, and I would regularly wear it. People would ask what it meant, and looking back, I didn’t really have a personal explanation as to what “Yes Bro” meant. I just thought it was me saying yes to a brother – nothing deeper. After joining VMAC (Visayas Mindanao Aspirants Conference) and the BVC (Brothers’ Vocations Camp), I saw more of the “Yes Bro” and I thought it was a nationwide branding of the vocation.

This year however, after being able to glimpse at the life of service, and as recently being able to facilitate a retreat in Cebu and a recollection in Boystown, I realized that this is more than just a brand. “Yes Bro” is more than just a slogan on a shirt. The smiles that I got to see, the laughter that I got to hear, the emotions that I got to feel, the connections I was able to make – from the classroom of SBMA, to the cells of Bilibid, to the solemn rooms of Schoenstatt, and now in the halls of Boystown – it was all because I said yes to something that I truly did not even attempt to understand.

After much reflection as to what keeps me going in this program, I still could not put it into words. Luckily, I received a new shirt. This time, the design was different. What was written on the shirt struck me because finally, after two years, I was able to formulate the “why” of my yes into words. 

“Imagine if your Yes leads you to teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives.”

Looking back, I realize that my “yes” didn’t start with full understanding—but meaning caught up with me through the journey. What began as a simple response, even a passive one, has grown into a commitment shaped by experience, service, and reflection. From classrooms to retreat halls, the faces and stories I encountered gave weight to a word I once said so casually. And now, with this new shirt in hand and its words etched in my heart—“Imagine if your Yes leads you to teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives”—I finally understand what I was saying yes to all along. It’s no longer just a slogan or a brand. It’s a mission. And next time, when I say “Yes Bro,” I’ll know exactly why.

On 25-26 November 2024, Singapore witnessed an exciting development: the first Becoming Brothers vocation evening, marking a significant step in revitalizing local interest in the De La Salle Brothers’ life and mission. This inspiring gathering brought together four passionate participants, all of whom were young professionals keen to learn more about the path of brotherhood.

The event kicked off with warm camaraderie as participants joined the Brothers and members of the Signum Fidei for a relaxed social gathering and dinner. The atmosphere was alive with conversations, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose. Following this, an opening prayer service set the tone for the night, transitioning into an engaging discussion on the Declaration, facilitated by Br. Kelvin with the Signum Fidei group. This session gave participants a glimpse into how the Brothers work alongside their lay partners to advance their shared mission.

One of the evening’s highlights was the personal dyads, where participants paired up with Brothers to exchange stories and share personal experiences. This intimate setting allowed participants to hear firsthand the journeys, challenges, and deep-rooted faith that define the life of a Brother. The night wrapped up with a screening of the powerful film Father Stu, followed by a reflective night prayer that deepened the sense of community and introspection.

The following day, participants dove into two key sessions. Br. Luke led the first session, providing a comprehensive introduction to the history, charism, and mission of the De La Salle Brothers as well as a glimpse of his life as a Brother. This was followed by Br. Carlo’s session on discernment and the stages involved in becoming a Brother, offering practical insights for those considering this path. The program concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer and a shared meal, giving participants a final chance to reflect on their experiences and connect with one another.

The Brothers are hopeful that this revitalized Becoming Brothers initiative will ignite a renewed interest in vocations and foster a supportive community for young men discerning their paths. This event marks the beginning of what they hope will be a sustained effort to inspire and guide future generations in Singapore.

The sense of hope and unity felt during this gathering sets a promising tone for what lies ahead, sparking conversations and connections that could lead to a stronger, more vibrant vocation culture.
 

By Marcus Miguel Cuaton (2nd year BS Computer Science student; Aspirant of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines)

Psychosocial Development is the process of one’s personality and social skills actively developed from infancy through adulthood. Erik Erikson, a household name in the study of Psychology, would develop the theory of the stages of Psychosocial Development. He believed that experiencing a psychosocial crisis or conflict from each stage would pave the way for an individual to experience development for better or worse. Dr. Jaymee Pantaleon, the guest speaker of the learning session, introduced this topic to us and gave her input about this theory, especially in the context of the Aspirancy Program.

The theory describes Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development where each stage would cover the supposed psychosocial crisis, important events of one’s life, and what an individual can learn from each conflict they face. The introduction of concepts such as Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt and Identity vs. Confusion can help form an aspect of one’s Psychosocial Development. Unfortunately, we ended our learning session at the fourth stage and will be continuing the discussion at a later date.

In the case of being an aspirant, learning Psychosocial Development is quite crucial, as all of us are taking our own journey in order to follow the path of being a Brother or to pursue something else down the line. This journey that we take requires important decisions to be made—decisions that involve one’s mental process. Through learning about Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, we can be able to discern as we make these decisions.

#YesBro #FSCvocations