“Rejoice in hope, endure in afflictions, persevere in prayer” – Romans 12:12
From June 10 to 14, 2025, thousands of young Filipino Catholics from across the country gathered in the Pilgrim City of Naga, Camarines Sur, for the much-anticipated National Youth Day (NYD) Caceres 2025. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Caceres, this year’s celebration unfolded in Naga City—affectionately known as the “Heart of Bicolandia”—becoming a profound pilgrimage experience for the nation’s youth.
Organized under the auspices of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), NYD welcomed delegates from all 87 ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines, as well as members of the Federation of National Youth Organizations (FNYO), under which the Redemptorist Youth Ministry (RYM) belongs.
The theme for NYD 2025, taken from Romans 12:12, was: “Rejoice in hope, endure in afflictions, persevere in prayer.” This theme resonated deeply throughout the five-day spiritual encounter, especially considering the modern challenges faced by youth ministries across the nation. The official theme song of NYD Caceres 2025 was “Katood ni Ina”, a powerful and inspiring hymn that calls on the youth to let the spirit of mission come alive in their hearts through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. The song serves as a reminder of Mary’s enduring invitation to follow her Son, Jesus Christ, in faith and in action.
The Redemptorist Youth Ministry proudly joined NYD with delegates from various apostolic units:
From the Province of Cebu: Cebu Parish, Cebu Chaplaincy, Davao, Dumaguete, Iligan, Tacloban, and RIMT
From the Vice Province of Manila: Baclaran, Legazpi, Lipa, Laoag, and St. Clement Mission Seminary. Each delegation carried the mission of St. Alphonsus: to proclaim the Good News to the poor and most abandoned, especially the youth.
The celebration began with the Day of Encounter, where delegates arrived and registered at their respective harong or host parishes. The RYM group was warmly welcomed at St. John of the Cross, Agdangan Baao, forming bonds of faith and friendship with the local community.
On the Day of Communion, delegates from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao converged in central Naga for the Opening Ceremony and the Traslacion Procession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. During the Eucharistic celebration, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD, Chairperson of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, reminded everyone that this pilgrimage is more than a journey: it is a mission. He called on the youth to find Christ in the people they meet and the places they visit, encouraging them to journey not alone, but with Mary and Jesus. The entire event echoed with the faithful cry of “Viva La Virgen!” a joyful declaration of love and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
The Day of Formation followed, with plenary sessions and workshops on youth ministry. RYM was assigned to the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). A compelling talk by Jo-Ed Tome focused on the virtue of temperance, urging the youth to “respond, not react” when faced with difficulties in ministry and life. His message of discipline, patience, and mindful action served as a timely call for grounded Christian leadership.
On the Day of Pilgrimage and Exposure, the day began with community immersion, where RYM delegates were assigned to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office V. There, they learned about the agency’s programs, its environmental and food security mission, and the critical role young people can play in stewarding creation. That evening, the Cultural Night featured RYM’s spirited performance of “Ikay’ Sasamahan” by Siyak—a heartfelt expression of solidarity and faith. The day concluded with a Solemn Vigil, leading into the final celebration.
The NYD concluded with the Day of Mission, marked by a Eucharistic Celebration at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine, presided over by Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop Emeritus of Caceres. In his homily, he posed a poignant question to the youth: “How can we strengthen our faith if we are not rooted in the Word of God?” He urged them to begin each day not with their cellphones, but with the Bible, and to perform at least one act of goodness daily as a concrete proclamation of God’s love.
NYD Caceres 2025 was not merely a gathering—it was a rekindling of purpose and a reaffirmation of identity for Filipino Catholic youth. Amidst the contemporary challenges of declining youth engagement, digital distractions, and socio-political turbulence, this event stood as a powerful reminder that the Church sees the youth not just as the future, but as the hope of now.
The event underscored the need for renewed missionary zeal in local communities—a quiet but clear call for groups like the Redemptorist Youth Ministry to deepen their presence and commitment. To “rejoice in hope” means cultivating a joyful spirituality rooted in Christ. To “endure in afflictions means staying steadfast despite the demands of the ministry and the dwindling number of young participants. To “persevere in prayer” means anchoring all efforts in God’s grace.
Temperance, as emphasized in the formation talk, is key to long-term sustainability in ministry. RYM leaders and members are challenged to respond with patience, wisdom, and courage, rather than react with frustration or burnout. This virtue fosters clarity in leadership, stability in faith, and integrity in action.
The event calls the youth and the Redemptorist Youth Ministry to revitalize local ministries through creative parish-based sessions, regular Gospel reflections, and dynamic Bible-sharing circles. Forming local youth mission teams, mentoring groups, and organizing “faith in action” weekends can foster deeper and sustained engagement. Collaborations with agencies like BFAR can also inspire youth-led ecological initiatives and outreach efforts. Leadership formation must be ongoing—fueled by training, accompaniment, and Gospel-rooted advocacy on education, mental health, and poverty. In keeping with the Redemptorist charism of serving the most abandoned, RYM is encouraged to initiate service-oriented programs such as mobile catechesis, livelihood support, and community-based health and feeding missions—tangible signs of mission in motion.
As the echoes of chants, prayers, and cultural expressions fade into memory, the mission continues. National Youth Day Caceres 2025 has lit a fire—one that must be sustained through action, prayer, and communion. The Redemptorist Youth Ministry, along with the entire Philippine Catholic youth, now steps forward, not just as participants in a weeklong event, but as bearers of hope, builders of faith, and witnesses to the enduring love of Christ in a world in need of redemption.
Madya Ikurahaw, ka-RYM! Viva La Virgen!
Richelle V. Bonol,
Redemptorist Youth Ministry – Cebu Chaplaincy
