VINCENTIAN MARIAN YOUTH GREECE
together in FAITH, together in HOPE, together in LOVE for Christ!
VMY Greece finds its Way Back into L♥VE!
26 February 2013
Love was in the air as VMY Greece members gathered for its 28th Monthly Integration Session held last Sunday, February 24, 2013 in the 3rd Floor of the Miraculous Medal Center. In celebration of February being the Love Month, the theme for this month’s session was “A Way Back Into Love!”
In a room filled with hearts, the session commenced with a lovely prayer liturgy. Kuya Thad led the group in singing the opening hymn ('In Moments Like This') and reciting the Opening Prayer. The Word of God was proclaimed as Luigi Hernandez, Nixon Miranda and Joel Umandap took turns in reading the 1st Reading, 2nd Reading and Gospel, respectively. Kuya Thad subsequently provided a reflection of the Gospel Reading. Showing Bible verses in slides, he pointed out the importance of loving God by obeying His commandments. He also emphasized that love in our Christian life is measured by self-sacrifice. Afterwards, Ate Daphne led the prayers of the faithful and the prayer liturgy concluded with everyone reciting the closing prayer and singing VMY’s Hymn, ‘Together’.
After the prayer liturgy, Kuya Thad welcomed everyone once again to the session. As tradition, the month’s birthday celebrants were greeted. Kuya Thad handed over a simple gift to Brian Buddhadasa who was there present for his birthday last February 17. Several announcements were likewise made.
The session proper kicked-off as two VMY Greece members namely, Roxanne Juanta and Jerry Gupo, first performed an acoustic version of the song “A Way Back Into Love” (by Hugh Grant & Haley Bennett), the session’s theme song. This brought the group into a happy mood as they likewise join the duo in singing the song.
A Way Back into Love by Roxanne Juanta & Jerry Gupo
Kuya Thad began the session with an icebreaker entitled “What A Girl Wants, What A Boy Wants” from which the group was split into team boys and team girls. The teams were then asked to brainstorm for about 10 minutes and come up with their list of characteristics or traits that they want in a girl or boy. Their list was then eventually asked to be presented among the group. A lively discussion happened as the team girls and team boys wrote their list on the white board. Opposing comments and funny reactions were even raised as representatives from each team showed their list to the group.
After the teams presented their list, Kuya Thad discussed to the group some myths and facts on what a girl or boy wants. Meanwhile Sr. Emma, VMY’s Advisor, likewise provided her wisdom of love to everyone. She cited out the importance of showing honesty or being true to oneself to any relationship.
A short break cut the discussions as a pasta lunch was served to the group. After the break, Kuya Thad continued the session and this time he talked about dating, its benefits and dangers as well as some Scripture standards that each one must consider when dating or in any relationships. He reminded everyone that dating often leads to marriage and therefore it is rather important that they must find someone who will lead them to Jesus. He likewise encouraged everyone to stay grounded in prayer and allow God’s will to rule over their love lives.
Before the session came to its close, Ate Daphne facilitated first a “Butt Charade” game to the group. The session then closed with a prayer led again by Kuya Thad.