The Augustinian Recollect Youth of the Philippines (RAY), which is part of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, held its 14th National Encounter (RAYNS) in Baguio City, located in the northern part of the island of Luzon, on January 25-28, 2024, under the theme Those who love, walk.
The meeting, which took place in the Recollect Casiciaco Seminary, was attended by 220 delegates from 23 Recollect communities from different parts of the country. They were joined, for the first time, by members of the only Recollect community in Indonesia. The event began on the 25th with a Eucharistic celebration.
chaired by Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, Rector of the Seminary. During the homily, he recalled that, just as St. Paul received the blinding light of the thunderbolt, they too must welcome Christ, who never fails to bring light into their lives. He also pointed out that the Church wants us to be missionaries of joy, not just signs of joy, but to bring joy to others. After the Mass, the participants, the RAYSterssang and danced the hymn that the Augustinian Recollect Youth (RAY) launched on the occasion of the World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, entitled Those Who Love, Walk.
Already on the second day, Fr. Ralph Laureen Ciceron gave a talk entitled What do you want? In it, he warned the participants that when we become mature Christians, we grow in discernment and wisdom, which lead to genuine happiness.
For its part, Fr. Robin Ross SilverIn a second talk entitled Come and See, he invited the participants to respond to God’s call, to see what he has given them and to use it to go out and live their mission. The third day, January 27, began with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by
Fr. Leander BarrotPresident of the Secretariat of Spirituality, Charism and Ongoing Formation of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. In his homily, Fr. Barrot highlighted the role of the Virgin Mary as a model for young people, which involves humble submission to God’s will, despite the fears and doubts that may arise. In addition, the participants listened to the video message of
Fr. Miguel Angel HernandezPrior General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects. In it, he encouraged the participants of the 14th RAYNS to dream of a better world, to think big and to have life projects. He also reminded them that they, the RAYSters, they are the future of the Church and of society. He also expressed his desire for the Order to have committed and courageous young men and women willing to love Jesus Christ and work for the kingdom of God.
The day concluded with a cultural show in which the delegates of the 24 Recollect communities presented their artistic and cultural traditions. In addition, a video of Fr. Ismael XurucGeneral Councilor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and in charge of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (JAR), in which he exhorted to radiate joy and hope and to proclaim to the whole world that Jesus gives meaning to life. During the meeting, the participants had time for prayer, spiritual exercises, social evenings and group activities.
Finally, Christian Mariobelo, from the Indonesian community, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for having been able to attend the meeting. He confessed that for him, who comes from a Muslim-majority country, meeting with the RAYSters made him feel more Catholic.
