With hearts on fire and spirits high, 172 young leaders from all over the Redemptorist Province of Cebu and Vice Province of Manila gathered in the City of Gentle People at Dumaguete City from May 19 to 25, 2025 for the 4th Alphonsian Youth Pilgrimage (AYP) for a week of faith, mission, and hope-filled fun.
Held under the theme “Rejoice in Hope” (Romans 12:12), this year’s AYP was hosted by the vibrant Dumaguete Redemptorist community, welcoming delegates from various local Alphonsian units across the Philippines. For seven days, the youth immersed themselves in prayer, formation, community building, and missionary outreach—deepening not only their relationship with God but also with one another.
The AYP is a pillar activity of the Redemptorist Youth Ministry (RYM) of the Province of Cebu since 2002, meant to bring together young leaders and shape them as joyful missionaries of the Gospel in the spirit of St. Alphonsus. In its fourth installment, the pilgrimage has become a powerful space where young people encounter God anew, discover their missionary identity, and share their hopes with fellow pilgrims.
During the week, the youth participated in a rich line up of activities: daily liturgy, inspiring talks, workshops, and community outreach in local neighborhoods. Cultural nights and common meals provided time for laughter and friendship. Eucharistic celebrations and moments of silence grounded the whole experience.
“This AYP taught me that we grow not just in silence and prayer, but also in listening to each other’s stories. I was deeply moved by how different our experiences are, yet we are united by the same mission. I’m going home with a stronger faith and a bigger heart for others,” says one of the pilgrims.
In a RedChat interview, Fr. Chloe Que, C.Ss.R., director of the Redemptorist Youth Mission (RYM) Cebu Province, reflected on the impact of the AYP: “The youth have learned to open themselves up. They have learned to listen and allow others to impact them. This is also a time where, as I have seen, the youth have widened their perspective. It’s not only their own unit… they have also experienced how others are formed in the ministry.”
Fr. Chloe thanked the steering committee and volunteer workers behind the scenes that made the pilgrimage possible, especially the host Dumaguete AU, whose warmth ushered in an air of welcome and fellowship.
As the pilgrims returned to their own local units, they did not only bring with them souvenirs or selfies, but a rekindled sense of purpose which is to become happy missionaries in a world in need of hope.
The next AYP will be in 2028 and will be hosted by the Tacloban Alphonsian Unit.
Darlene Custodio, CSsR.
Cebu Province – Evangelization and Media Office
