by: Miara Najiel Allego
A new school year, a new mission—and the youth of DBYC Lawaan came ready to SLAY!
Serve. Lead. Act. Yield.
On July 27, 2025, the Don Bosco Youth Center–Lawaan was filled with joy and excitement as members of five sodalities—Lilies of the Altar (LOA), Biblos, Young Saints Choir (YSC), Knights of the Altar (KOA), and Zatti Friends—gathered for the official launching of the school year 2025–2026. With the theme “Empowered in Service: Rooted in Faith, United in Diversity,” the event was a celebration of unity, purpose, and the Salesian spirit. Even before registration at 12:30 PM, the Pilgrim Hall was already alive with early, enthusiastic youth.
The program began at 1:00 PM with emcees Ate Ice and Kuya James, followed by an opening prayer and a welcome message from the former youth director, Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, who also introduced the new youth director, Fr. Wilbert Dianon, SDB.
Each sodality shared its mission, patron saint, and goals. Lilies of the Altar (LOA), led by Ate Nice Ceniza and guided by St. Maria Goretti, showed how they animate Masses and strengthen Eucharistic devotion. Young Saints Choir (YSC), with St. Cecilia as their patron, was introduced by Ate Hera. Through a roleplay and a song, they emphasized the power of music in worship and welcomed Prenov Butch and Prenov Euree.
Zatti Friends, introduced by Kuya Dwayne and inspired by St. Artemide Zatti, highlighted their service as first aiders. Their presentation included a moving tribute video and a performance of “Bayan Ko.” Biblos, under Ate Sherry and with St. Jerome as their patron, shared their mission as lectors through a performance of “You’ll Be Safe Here” with Prenovs Allan and Jacque.
Knights of the Altar (KOA), led by Kuya Kent and guided by St. Pedro Calungsod, expressed the joy of altar service with a dance number alongside Prenovs Bartholomew and Rovyn. After the presentations, everyone enjoyed a short break, with snacks served by the newly appointed officers—a simple but meaningful act of service.
The program continued with Ms. Christell, who reminded everyone about the responsibilities of being a youth member, emphasizing humility, discipline, and respect within and beyond the formation center. Before closing, the youth and officers joined in a joyful dance symbolizing unity and friendship. As the program began and ended with a prayer, it reminded everyone that all we do should begin and end with God.
The day concluded with a 6:00 PM Mass, where all newly appointed sodality officers were officially inducted. With hands over their hearts, each leader accepted the mission to serve their sodality, the Church, and most of all—God. Rev. Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB, presided over the Mass and offered a blessing. He reminded everyone that while strength is important, true service comes from peace, humility, and prayer.
This year’s launch wasn’t just an event—it was a powerful reminder that no one is too young to serve.
Each sodality, with its unique role and patron, showed that through faith, unity, and action, we can make a difference in our community.
It wasn’t just about showcasing talents or introducing leaders—it was about rediscovering the deeper purpose of why we serve. Many youths walked out of Pilgrim Hall with more than just smiles. They carried realizations:
That service isn’t measured by how big the task is, but by how much love you put into it.
That our gifts—whether dancing, singing, speaking, or helping—are not just for us, but for the Church and for others.
And that God calls each of us in different ways, through different paths, but always for one purpose: to bring Him to others.
The day taught us that being part of DBYC is more than wearing a name or title.
It means carrying a mission in your heart—
To SERVE others with love,
To LEAD with humility,
To ACT with compassion,
And to YIELD to God’s will.
FOR GOD, AND FOR SERVICE!
