Moral Values in the Jamboree    

             By Glenn Trajano
            trajanoglenn@yahoo.com

A cradle of Christianity in Asia, Philippines is a seat to a variety of traditional moral values. Ranging from politeness to courtesy, the country has been known to have been continually preserving its inherent moral values. Starting from the pre-colonial years, people from the different islands have already defined themselves as a cohesive group, fundamental to the morality and unity of their tribes.

But Filipino unifying morality is massively threatened by the emergence of capitalist globalization. One can see the impact of capitalist culture which resides mainly at the heart of the social spectrum, like media and entertainment, politics and economy. An individualist vision of self-satisfaction without care for others predominantly characterizes the themes in movies, performance of politicians and in the usual standard of commerce.

The youth, living in such an individualist culture, naturally find themselves at the crossroads. Searching for their identity, they have been in a dilemma between the libertarian, self-seeking ideology of capitalism and the traditional, religious values. To go with the current trend or not describes the gamut of the values of the young of today.

One common mistake is to regard this phenomenon as a cause for desperation, dissatisfaction, and hopelessness. The prevailing status of the young indeed, should prod everyone to bolster freedom without abandoning the richness of our tradition and culture.

In the recently held Vocation Jamboree last February 24-25, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cebu, a renewed vision of communitarian, religious spirit among the young was greatly emphasized. Having as theme, “Jesus: The Light Unto my Path”, the youth gathering epitomizes the importance of freedom yet without loosing its strong moral foundation.

Consisting of about 5000 young participants, the jamboree started from 6:00 pm and ended at 6:00 am. Located at St. Louis School, Mandaue City, it placed more or less 50 twelve-square feet tents rented by the different priests' and religious congregations who together form the Cebu Chapter of the DVP (= Directors of Vocations in the Philippines).

An image of unity between religious values and freedom was manifest in the surrounding religious congregations’ tents. Gathering at the centre, all the participants, ranging from students to professionals, watched the presentations on stage or platform paralleling the tents while visiting the surrounding congregations aimed at getting to know their certain charisms and ministries.
Observing the gathering, one could immediately see the atmosphere of deep encounter of the youth and their religion. A spirit of sharing and openness was shown during the meals prepared by every tent and the hospitality among the nuns, priests, seminarians and brothers towards their visitors.

The event culminated in a mass presided by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal in which he strongly emphasized the link of love and commitment geared at promoting life. The variety of lively songs and dances which kept the youth awake until morning was concluded by the often poignant homily of the Cardinal, typical of his love and care for the youth.

Writing this article upon my arrival home at daybreak, the Vocation Jamboree I become aware of the many issues that often wreak havoc in the moral lives of the Filipina and Filipino youth. A cohesive, yet deeply religious way of forming the youth into becoming morally good citizens is necessary. And I think the recently concluded jamboree was a step to this.

Letting the young get in contact with the inner voice of their hearts demands a vibrant type of assembly, one that can promote community and nourish individual moral lives. The positive response of the youth, their laughter and smiles, their cheers during the whole event of the jamboree, indeed reinforces the importance of Christian faith and morality as a guide in promoting individual freedom.

Essentially, the jamboree embodies a response to the erosion of sensitivity for moral values with the advent of capitalist, individualist culture. It therefore helps lay religion as the foundation of the moral lives of the youth in our time.