Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

This research is utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Rev. Paolo Giulietti on the youth as “pilgrims in search of religious opportunities to deepen their life of faith” and Pope Francis on the importance of “spiritual formation of the youth to being magnanimous.” These are captured in the narratives of students in Public High School (PHS) who attended the recollection. The study is using the qualitative phenomenological method. The data are coming from the students’ evaluation, narratives, and reflection journal regarding the recollection. This paper aims to evaluate the data through theological reflection using the Sacred Scriptures and the Teaching of the Catholic Church. The theological reflection highlights the students’ apparent disconnection from their relationship with parents; their inability to give or receive sincere compliments; their feeling of discontent and worthlessness; and their methods to ease the pain from family problems like taking drugs, marijuana, alcohol, and indulging to sex. These are indicatives of their suffering from spiritual starvation. The more suffering they experience, the deeper the gravity of their starvation to be wanted and to be loved can happen. Religious and spiritual enrichment formation program are recommended as forms of intervention to help the students in PHS.