Cijantung Youth Close the Month of the Rosary with Faith and Joy
That evening, the sky over Cijantung was dark and cloudy. The wind was cool, and the smell of rain was in the air. But at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, the atmosphere was bright and joyful. From far away, you could see colorful banners from the thirteen parish regions, each one ready to celebrate the closing of the Month of the Rosary.
The Marian procession was supposed to start at Slamet Riyadi School, but heavy rain suddenly fell. Without panic, the organizers made a quick decision: “We’ll start from the front of the church instead!”
Even as the rain got heavier, people didn’t lose their spirit. The youth kept arriving. Some carried the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, protecting it with jackets, while others prepared the big wooden cross for the procession. Smiles and laughter filled the wet evening.
That day on October 31, 2025, was the end of the Pilgrimage of the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a journey that had visited all 13 parish regions over one month. From house to house and neighborhood to neighborhood, the Catholic Youth (OMK – Orang Muda Katolik) led the Rosary, bringing light and prayer to many families. Wherever the icon visited, hearts were touched — with songs, candles, and joy.
Walking with Mary
As the rain stopped, the sky turned calm. People lit their candles, and the soft light shone on their smiling faces. Some were still wet from the rain, but no one seemed to mind. Everyone was ready to walk with Mary.
After praying the Angelus, the procession began. Four young men carried the large cross at the front, followed by the main icon of Mary and the banners from each region. The song Hail Mary echoed gently as they walked on the wet road toward the church.
Inside, the church felt warm and peaceful. Young people, parents, and children came together as one big family, walking with their Mother. The mass was led by Fr. Willy. During his homily, the Youth Moderator spoke with deep feeling: “Mary was a young woman who cared and who acted. She was not silent; she went out and served.”
He reminded everyone that the pilgrimage was more than a ceremony. It was a sign of living faith. “The icon of Mary is not only a beautiful image,” he said. “It is a sign that God lives among His people. You, the young people, are the living face of Mary today.”
He continued: “Mary lives in you, when you care for a friend, when you come to Mass even when busy, when you pray the Rosary even when tired, and when you choose to serve others before yourself.”
“Mary never stopped caring,” the priest said. “And you, too, must never stop caring. In a world that often forgets to love, let young Catholics be a sign of God’s love.”
Faith That Burns Bright
The Mass that evening was simple but full of joy. The candles held by the youth became signs of faith that keeps burning — not only in the church, but in every heart present.
After Mass, the celebration continued outside. The courtyard was full of laughter, stories, and food — pizza, snacks, and drinks. Everyone shared happily, and it was clear: being together is a blessing.
Their slogan says, “OMK is the solution.” That night, those words truly came to life. The young people became light, salt, and signs of grace — just like Mary, who always brings love wherever she goes.
Under a sky that had just stopped raining, one young person looked at Mary’s icon and whispered: “Never stop caring. Be a flame that never dies.” And so, under the loving protection of Mary, the young fire of Cijantung keeps burning, spreading faith, hope, and love throughout the parish.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Fr. Willy Ng Pala, CSsR.
