By Stephen Merecidio (Aspirant, DLSU)
Last May 15, 2026, on Founder’s Day, the Young Lasallians of LEAD gathered to share meaningful stories and experiences of volunteerism in the Lasallian Family.
I am honored to share my own reflection and experience during this gathering. As an Aspirant of the De La Salle Brothers, I took part in this gathering during the 2026 Brothers’ Vocation Camp at St. Joseph School - La Salle in Bacolod, Philippines, alongside more than 30 other Aspirants and Contacts. To cap off our visit to St. Jo, as it is fondly known, we were blessed with the opportunity to share our experiences of volunteerism within and beyond the Aspirancy Program during the breakout sessions.
During the gathering, we were blessed to meet Ms. Julia Mayer, Chair of the Lasallian Youth Commission of the De La Salle Brothers, who gave us a glimpse into their efforts to promote volunteerism within the Lasallian Family and to invite more young Lasallians to foster genuine human connections and together shape a future animated by the “spark” and built through collective action. I was enthralled to hear the stories of my fellow young Lasallians, who, at this critical time in the world, are invited to work together to inspire positive change through creative and impactful initiatives, whether big or small.
On a personal note, the “spark” that continues to motivate me is the inspiration that I pray for daily in my discernment as an Aspirant. All are invited to discern God’s will for them in this life, and I sincerely believe that whatever decision to which our discernment leads, it should always be the decision to love and serve the vulnerable in different ways. While no single individual can bring swift and radical change on their own, the light that illumines our steps always begins with the smallest spark. I am reminded once again of our One La Salle prayer, which says, “Even if I’m not the light, I can be the spark.” Perhaps the invitation to discover our spark is found not in what we can do for others, but in whether we can become the spark that awakens light within them.
I thank God for the spark that nourishes our faithful “yes” to His invitation every day. May this gathering be the first of many, where Young Lasallians can feel empowered to spark change in their own ways. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
