My experience on the Upper Room Programme was providential and inspirational. The Upper Room in Scripture is where the disciples gathered in fear and uncertainty. But, above all, they gathered in faith; transformed by the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). It is the place of trust, of transformation, and of vocation. Likewise, this programme transformed me, and I felt the Holy Spirit burning within me, calling me to carry out His good works. 

As a Red Cap on the Lourdes Pilgrimage for two years, I witnessed the chaplaincy team’s fervent and prayerful faith, and felt urged to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Just like the disciples in the Upper Room, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak…” (Acts 2:4). I was eager to emulate the Holy Spirit I saw alive in them; a Spirit that brought Christ to young people through prayer, adoration, and reflection. I craved to be completely animated by the Holy Spirit and grow in the same theological depth and spiritual attunement that they bore with such humility and joy.

This programme is unique because it is vocational; a call. Just as Samuel responded, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10), I came to recognise a call through my experiences in Lourdes: to lead and uplift the young people of my Parish and to help mend the social fabric strained by the merging of our churches. Through prayer and discernment, I felt compelled to step forward, postponing university so I could answer this call more fully.

Through this programme, I have shared in the burning faith of my peers, and have made true friends in Christ, but more importantly, I have learned to have a deeper relationship with our Father. A central expectation of the programme is to develop a working relationship with our Parish Priest– something that can seem unthinkable to many young people. Yet, this journey helped me to realise the beauty of spiritual fatherhood. Christ reminds us in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” To see the person of Christ in one’s Priest is to rediscover a relationship that reflects our own with God. Faith is child-like, for, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Young people often model this simplicity of heart; yet, how often do we forget that we, too, are children of God? To walk with our Parish Priest is to walk with our Father.

The Upper Room was the beginning of the Church’s mission, and through this programme, I came to see my own calling more clearly. Just as the disciples were sent out to proclaim the Gospel, so too are we called to bring unity, and faith to our communities. The Spirit still speaks from the Upper Room – but will you answer the call?

Niña F. Mercado, Upper Room 2024-5

Check out the Upper Room Leadership Programme 2025-6 here.