Youth Camp 2011

The annual ICCEC-AIM Youth Camp was held in Berlin on August 1–5, 2011. With the theme “Breaking of Walls” more than 60 young people from France, Spain, Germany, Estonia and Italy travelled to Germany’s capital, known for its historical wall that divided the city from 1961–1989.

Each day started with a morning prayer followed by sessions which were divided into three topics: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Fr. Donn Baustista, who is in-charge of the youth in the diocese, focused on the importance of understanding the Creeds (Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed). He compared them with a lighthouse guiding the ships to their destination: The Creeds are a guiding light, revealing to us the essentials of Christianity and keeping us from going astray. In order to see that light, we ought to tear down the walls that obscure our view.

Afternoon activities included sports, a tour through the city of Berlin and an orientation to the youth’s tasks during next year’s International Convocation in Madrid. In the evenings, the youth gathered around a bonfire for praise & worship, presentations and testimonies. The last night was a memorable one as each one was just moved by the Holy Spirit. Shouts of praise and adoration were lifted up.

Then on the last day, great music filled the air of St. Eduard's Church as the instrumentalists, singers and dancers from each participating country joined forces in worship to God and all His glory. With Bishop Jose Elmer Belmonte as the Celebrant of the Youth Mass, the importance of prayer was emphasized. One after another the youth knelt down before the cross and uttered the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner". There were also 12 young men who came forward when the Bishop asked who are open to the call of God to be a clergy. What a fitting conclusion to the weeklong activity.

Soli Deo sit semper gloria!