"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
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History of Barkadahan ni San Juan
Twenty one years has passed since the “Barkadahan ni San Juan” was established. The core group was originally composed of 16 youth who ferve
ntly paid homage to God at the St. John the Baptist Church. The group mustered all its strength, vigor and dynamism to bring forth its sole dream: oneness of the youth towards the right direction – to happiness and fulfillment. Fr. Sonny Ramirez, a well-known Dominican priest and founder of “Barkadahan ni Sto. Domingo” in Quezon City came to know of the group’s existence and admired its members for their genuine commitment and dedication to serve God. With this, he acquainted them with the ways to be more dedicated young disciples of God through retreats, recollections and spiritual formations. And then he established the “Barkadahan ni San Juan”, the Bicol Chapter of the “Barkadahan ni Sto. Domingo” in Quezon City. Barkadahan is a very closely-knit group of teenagers many of whom exhibit a religious fervor that would surprise even the devout Christians. To regular church goers at St. john the Baptist, “Barkadahan” is simply a bunch of youth who love to sing in Sunday Masses and work at other apostolate work. Insiders who know more, however, inevitable find in them committed youngster who have been through trying times. Starting as a church choir in the small parish of Our Lady of Lourdes of Tabaco City, “Barkadahan” has taken in teenagers some of whom simply don’t know what their lives are coming to. They feet empty, lost and disillusioned with parents who couldn’t understand them, or are indifferent to them, or worse, parents who simply are’t around when they need them most. “Barkadahan” gives them a sense of belonging and lends their lives purpose and direction. For many, “Barkadahan is a better than one which would inevitably turn them into notorious souls. The group, its members say, aims to bring teeners closer to the church and to God. Such goal is easier said than done. Like any other religious group, “Barkadahan” holds regular Bible study, makes visits to charitable institutions, gives spiritual formation to street children and youth, help some homeless families construct/ renovate houses, give spiritual guidance to prisoners, assist children and youth choirs, administer bible services, give youth formation (like Youth Encounter Program, recollection and retreat), and organize youth groups. They are also desirous to grant scholarship to needy but deserving members of the group, hence, their quest for education quenched. The members go to mass everyday after which they have communal prayers and singing practice. In their “Makibata” project, they look after impoverished kids. Every Sunday they give the kids and youth lesson in Catechism, good manners and conduct and other practical skills. They act like foster parents practically the whole year round. As far as manifestation of devotion that would amaze many, some “Barkadahan” (mostly early members) take “vows of chastity, obedience and poverty through having community life that would last a year. “The vows are really their personal promises to God for their individual growth. When a person is empty of himself, he is more willing to be filled by others and by God,” explained Fr. Ramirez. They have experienced community life so they could be brought closer to each other. While living under one roof, the members share foods, household tasks, and even allowances which they need. The students in the group attend classes during the day, and other go about their chores. In the evening, they prayer, meditate, listen to speakers and engage in other spiritual and self-enriching activities. They learn not only discipline but also the fact that one needs not to have so many worldly things that could make them happy. They are also able to overcome the intrigues and petty feelings that are threatening to divide the group. Such experience seems to have lasting effects. Afterwards, the group yearns to take their “vows”. They vow, at least for a year, to shun luxuries, parties, lavish clothes, and make up, and to obey their parents and elders. Their “vows and chastity” merely mean commitment not to a relationship with an individual but to the entire group for the time they have the vow. To remind them, each one wears a chastity cord, a cloth with 15 knots worn around the waist. The cord, based of history, is the cord of St. Thomas. It was given given to St. Thomas by an angel to ward off temptations. The practice is patterned after that of a Dominican Order Confraternity based in Rome. These practices are continually observed by some "Barkadahan" while others don't but one thing is sure-they have their commitments to serve the church of God wholeheartedly. At this point in time, the “Barkadahan” sprouts in many places from Sto. Domingo of Quezon City, there arise chapters in Intramuros, Mandaluyong, Malabon, Laguna, Pangasinan, Batangas, Davao, Palawan and Bicol-the “Barkadahan ni San Juan” of Tabaco, which among the many, answers and work for continuing mission in reaching out people through apostolate works.
