Youth formation • Completed
TEOCALLI: Preparing a Home with Our Mother
A Youth Formation Before the Guadalupe Pilgrimage
- Date
- Time
- 1:00 PM
- Venue
- Bantigue Hall
Last August 9, young people serving in the parish gathered at Bantigue Hall for TEOCALLI: Preparing a Home with Our Mother, a parish youth formation in preparation for the arrival of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe this September.
The word Teocalli, from Nahuatl, means “God's House.” The formation invited the young people to look at the parish church not simply as a place where they serve, but as a home—a place where they encounter God, one another, and Our Mother.
Beginning with joy and encounter
The afternoon began with simple activities, singing, dancing, and getting to know one another. The young people were invited to share about their lives beyond their service in the parish, creating a space where they could simply be themselves before going deeper into the formation.
From there, the group entered into the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego, using the Nican Mopohua as a guide. The young people were invited to reflect on their own lives alongside Juan Diego's world—a world that was still dark, uncertain, and wounded.
Our Mother comes even if life is still dark.
The story reminded the young people that God knows their struggles, their families, their questions, and the moments when they themselves are not okay. Just as Our Lady came to Juan Diego before the dawn had fully arrived, she comes to us even in the middle of our own darkness.
You are beloved
The formation also reflected on how Our Lady called Juan Diego beloved. Our Lady called Juan Diego with tenderness—not according to how society might have regarded him, but as someone beloved. The young people were reminded:
You are beloved.
The afternoon continued by reflecting on Our Mother as one who comes to love us and lead us closer to Jesus. The formation emphasized that God desires to love us and that we can allow God to reach us through Our Mother.
Moments from the afternoon
Joy, listening, and friendship.
A quiet and personal close
As the formation continued, the reflection became more personal. Through sharing, reflection, and a personal story, many of the young people found space to connect the message of Guadalupe with their own experiences. There was plenty of laughter and joy throughout the afternoon, but the closing moments became especially quiet and emotional.
After the formation, several young people stayed behind to express their gratitude. Some shared how deeply they were touched by the story and reflection, while others simply approached with emotions that were difficult to put into words.
Perhaps this was the most beautiful part of the afternoon: the young people did not simply learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe. They were invited to imagine what it might mean to actually encounter her.
As the formation drew toward its close, the words of the song Janice became a prayerful invitation: “Saglit lang tayo munang dalawa.”
A moment to stop.
A moment to breathe.
A moment to leave the burdens behind.
A moment simply to be with Our Mother.
Preparing a home within us
The formation ended with a reminder that the pilgrimage in September is not simply an event to prepare for. It is an invitation to prepare a home—and that home begins within us. The young people were invited to become a home for one another and to prepare themselves for the coming of Our Mother, who always leads us closer to her Son, Jesus.
TEOCALLI was only the beginning. As the parish continues preparing for the arrival of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe this September, may the young people carry with them the invitation they received that afternoon:
Just come as you are.
Our Mother comes even while life is still dark.
And when she comes, may we allow her to love us, call us beloved, and bring us ever closer to Jesus.
The invitation continues
Our Mother is coming.
Let us prepare our home. Let us prepare our hearts.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.Return to spiritual preparation