Prenovices and candidates of the Society of Jesus in Vietnam organised a candidacy camp dubbed “Footprints of Hope” for around 150 participants from 30 April to 1 May.
Held biennially, the camp brought together young people discerning their vocation, Jesuit aspirants, teachers, benefactors, religious men and women, and collaborators involved in youth ministry and vocation promotion. Alongside the Jesuits were members of the Company of Mary Our Lady (ODN), the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ACI), and the Congregation of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus (SEJ), all contributing to a vibrant spirit of communion and accompaniment.
This was my first time attending the camp at the Vietnam Jesuit Candidacy House— not as a participant, but as part of the communications team, tasked with documenting the unfolding story through words and images.
Despite limited preparation time and the ongoing demands of formation and discernment, the organising team worked with dedication to create a meaningful and transformative experience for the participants as they journeyed together towards God with faith and perseverance.
The entry into the camping grounds symbolised more than a physical crossing—it was an invitation to overcome personal barriers, confront sin, and begin anew. This opening activity framed the whole journey that followed, reminding the campers that walking with God requires courage, humility, and self-awareness.
Team-building games reinforced the spirit of synodality. The participants worked together in teams named after saints to overcome challenges that tested their resilience and unity. On the second day, a “grand challenge” pushed them further as they persevered through a series of trials, uncovering clues that advanced their shared journey.
The most powerful moment was the sacred fire quest and the evening campfire ceremony. While I did not walk the slippery paths or face the nighttime uncertainty attached to these activities, I bore witness—through my camera’s lens—to the vulnerability, courage, and faith of those who did.
As I filmed, I watched the blindfolded participants walk cautiously, their hands holding onto the shoulders in front of them. Every step was taken in faith as they followed their guide carrying the Cross of Christ in his hands. This was not just a game. It was a metaphor for the spiritual life: walking in darkness, at times getting lost or feeling afraid, but always trusting that, with love and faith in Christ—or rather, with Christ’s love and faith in each of them—they would arrive at the place they were first called.
From conversations and interviews, I discovered how deeply the camp impacted those who attended. Many described it as a journey full of unexpected challenges that stretched and transformed them. For me as an observer, the experience was a quiet call to walk in hope, trust the path I am on, and believe that each footprint we leave behind can bear witness to God’s presence.
In the end, “Footprints of Hope” was more than just a camp. It was a pilgrimage — a shared journey with Christ at the centre, guiding us through uncertainty towards the light that never fades.
