The Augustinian Recollect Youth (ARY) continue to promote and spread the Augustinian charism among the youth all over the world. The latest activity they have organized was the Regional Summit of Augustinian Recollect Youth of Visayas-Mindanao 2025 (RRAYS), held on January 10-12 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in Balamban, Philippines.
Inspired by the Feast of the Santo Niño and guided by the motto “You also are my witnesses, for you have been with me” (John 15:27), 216 delegates from Mindanao, Negros and Cebu gathered to reaffirm their commitment to prayer, community and missionary zeal, fundamental values of the Augustinian Recollect charism.
Day 1: “Steadfast Witnesses for Christ”.
The summit began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR, of the Section of Spirituality and Ongoing Formation, who opened the conference. The first talk was given by Fr. Gideon Antolin Lagrimas, OAR.
Fr. Gideon elaborated on the theme chosen for the Summit and invited all participants to be “steadfast witnesses of Christ in their lives”. He also encouraged the JAR delegates to “embrace their role as bearers of faith, unity and hope within their communities”.
The first day concluded with one of the most anticipated moments: the ‘Fiesta del Barrio’, a celebration of diversity and cultural unity that serves to reflect the richness of the RAY movement globally. Through dances, performances and artistic manifestations, participants shared the traditions of their hometowns, in a testament to the multiculturalism present within the Order.
Day 2: “Love and compassion”.
The second day focused on the talk ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, given by Kenneth S. Parra, RN, LPT, a lay collaborator of RAY of Talisay. In his message, he highlighted the role of young people as agents of change: “Young people as hope-filled pilgrims, journeying towards the kingdom of God and spreading its message of love and compassion. A vocation that transcends borders and is shared by thousands of young Augustinian Recollects around the world”.
The pilgrimage to the Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño of Cebu wasanother highlight of the event. In an atmosphere of prayer and reflection, the delegates renewed their commitment to humility and trust in God. Above all, as the young people themselves explain, they deepened their connection with the Santo Niño and with the Augustinian ideal of seeking and proclaiming the kingdom of God.
Day 3: “Listen and respond with generosity”.
The last day was dedicated to vocational discernment. Fr. Paul DemillonesOAR, National Vocation Promoter, shared an inspiring talk on the importance of listening to God’s call and responding generously. His words urged young people to embrace their unique roles in the Church, whether as lay collaborators, religious or servants within their communities.
One of the most exciting moments was the incorporationof 21 new members into the RAY movementduring the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagtiosa, OAR, Provincial Spiritual Advisor of RAY. From that moment on, these young people were incorporated as full members of the RAY movement.
This gathering in the Philippines is just one example of the vitality of the Augustinian Recollect Youth movement worldwide. From Latin America to Europe and Africa, the ARY continues to grow as a global community of young people who, with “one heart and one soul on the way to God”, work for a more just world, in solidarity and rooted in the values of the Gospel in the style of St. Augustine.
