From June 10 to 14, 2025, for the first time, an official delegation of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (RAY) will be present at the Augustinian Recollect Youth (Augustinian Recollect Youth (ARY) of the Philippines participated in the National Youth Day held in the Archdiocese of Caceres, Naga City. Accompanied by their spiritual director, Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagtiosa, OAR five young people brought to the heart of the Philippine Church the flame of the Recollect charism: unity, interiority and service.
A pilgrimage with an Augustinian soul
Under the biblical motto “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer” (Rom 12:12), the NYD was a privileged space for formation, faith, communion and witness.the NYD was a privileged space for formation, faith, communion and witness.
The young people went through a complete spiritual itinerary that included:
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Pilgrimage to seven churches
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Training workshops and plenary sessions
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Community immersion activities
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Procession of the Translation
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Enthronement of Our Lady of Peñafranciapatroness of Bicolandia
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Daily cultural and liturgical celebrations
Training, dialogue and mission days
The second day of the meeting, known as “Adlaw nin Formacion”.focused on strengthening the vocational journey, with dynamics that invited the young people to listen to the voice of God from concrete life.
On the third day, “Adlaw nin Peregrinacion”.the young people experienced moments of closeness with local communities and parishes, enriched with cultural exchanges and an act of synthesis full of emotion and gratitude.
In addition, youth leaders participated in the “Pakikipag-Katood”a dialogue forum promoted by the Episcopal Commission for Youth (ECY). Episcopal Commission for Youth (ECY), where they reflected on the current challenges of youth ministry in the Philippines.where they reflected on the current challenges of youth ministry in the Philippines.
A Recollect footprint in the heart of the youth
The “Vigilia nin Paglaom”the final ceremony of the NYD, was a vibrant celebration in which the youth shared testimonies, dances and songs. testimonies, dances and songs. There, the RAYs of the Philippines were living witnesses of the Tatak Rekoleto -the mark that the Augustinian Recollect charism leaves in those who live it with joy and commitment.
Through every gesture, prayer and meeting, the young people gave witness to a young Church that is going out young Church on the way outembodying Augustinian spirituality through simplicity, unity and fraternal love.
Thank you, Philippines. Thank you, JAR!
This first participation of the Philippine JARs in the NYD was a historic step in the a historic step that strengthens the bonds between the youth and the great Augustinian Recollect family. A missionary sending that confirms that the fire of the Recollect charism the fire of the Recollect charism continues to burn brightly in the hearts of the youth..
God Mabalos, JAR! or our language: God bless the JAR!