Nurturing Buds of Connection and Faith: LFC Youth Wrapped Up a Meaningful Summer

The summer of 2025 was a season of connection, creativity, and quiet growth for the members of the Lestonnac Flame Circle (LFC), a youth group inspired by the legacy of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac. Composed of students from Grade 6 to college, this vibrant community of young people made the most of their school break through a series of meaningful activities that blended bonding, service, and spiritual deepening.

The summer began with a much-awaited outing on May 3 at Mar Villa Beach Resort in Opol, Misamis Oriental. After months of focusing on studies and serving in outreach activities, the outing was a refreshing space for the youth scholars to simply enjoy each other’s presence. Free from responsibilities, they had time to relax, play, laugh, and strengthen their friendships.

Later in the month, from May 19 to 23, the members had the regular Pianica Summer Workshop with Teacher Lara Grace Ruiz at the Niña Maria Arts Hub. The workshop didn’t just hone their musical skills—it became another avenue for self-discovery, nourishing the community spirit, creativity and self-expression, core values the LFC encourages among its members.

A highlight of the summer was the ExpresArte 2025 Summer Mission Camp, a three-day outreach under the Bidlisiw Outreach Program, held at the ODN lot in Lomboy, Indahag. This was the second time the LFC led such a camp, gathering children from nearby Habitat communities and offering them moments of joy, learning, and expression through arts. The group’s unique composition—spanning junior high to college, with even one Grade 6 pupil—meant the mission camp was not just for the children they served, but also for their own growth as leaders and companions to one another.

To conclude the summer, a half-day recollection on May 31 provided a sacred pause. Held at the community Chapel of the ODN Sisters at 10th-15th Street, Nazareth, the recollection helped the youth reflect on their experiences—not just what they did, but how they were moved interiorly. Questions like, What stirred my heart? What joy or fatigue lingered? Where is God inviting me to grow? anchored their prayer and reflection. Through guided silence and spiritual conversation in small groups, they recognized the beauty of listening deeply—to themselves, to God, and to one another.

This was the first time an end-of-summer recollection was held for the group. The young people emerged not only grateful, but also eager to continue learning how to pray and grow spiritually. Many expressed their desire for ongoing formation in prayer, so they, in turn, can be more present and nurturing to the children they serve monthly through their outreach activities.

In summer 2025, the LFC didn’t just serve others—they also learned how to serve one another in friendship, accompaniment, and faith. And that, truly, is the flame they carry forward into the new school year.