Almost everyone knows what love is. Love is a strong emotion, borne of affection and passion, it is an emotion everybody possesses. However, not everybody knows what true love is. True love is the highest form of love, true love has no purpose or desire. In love, there is faith, hope, solidarity, peace, justice and other great virtues. Henceforth, it is imperative for us to keep the love burning.

“Keep the love burning” was the theme of International Ursuline Youth Day (IUYD) 2015. The theme was chosen so that there would be no boundaries, no discrimination between the multitude of different countries and people, specifically in this meeting, between the schools under the Ursuline Order worldwide. Through this meeting too, were we taught about the greatest gift from God, LOVE. Love is a virtue that we must share with everyone, as opposed to keeping it for ourselves.

This was the second time IUYD was held. Previously, it was held 3 years ago, in Gunung Geulis, West Java. This time, with about 363 participants from more than 23 schools from Indonesia and other countries (including Thailand, Taiwan and Japan), IUYD was hosted by Regina Pacis, in the town of Solo. From our own school, we sent 20 representatives from junior high school and high school, accompanied by 4 teachers.

The Regina Pacis team had planned and devised many activities for the participants, one of them was the Exposure Activity. We were given the opportunity to meet and chat with local entrepreneurs and social figures, from which we learned many values. Also in the Regina Pacis team’s schedule was the performance of “Sendratari Ramayana”, a traditional dance that took place by the famous Candi Prambanan. There was also the Culture Night, where each school was to give a performance, representing their hometown culture. And to conclude and reflect on our experience there, a mass and ceremony was held.

Coming back from IUYD 2015, we learned many values that we would like to bring back and share with our friends back in Santa Ursula BSD. We’ve written them down in our 3 commitments; First, to do introspection before judging others by being discreet, open-minded, and critical with any information we receive so we can treat people equally. Second, to respect our friends, teachers and fellows, by giving effort to mingle with everyone and preventing exclusivity. Third, to invite all students to get involved in social activities and designing programs that can build connections with other schools through both formal and informal organizations, for example: holding joint events, social programs, etc.

Through our three commitments, we hope to bring change to our school, for our school to change for the better and become a blessing to many people. Let’s work together to hold our commitment to create a community of great people.