St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Launches Youth Participation in Alphonsian Youth Gathering II 2026
On Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, the atmosphere at Gereja St. Aloysius Gonzaga Cijantung felt a little different. Gentle sunlight streamed through the windows, lighting up the pews as parishioners arrived one by one. People came as they always do for Sunday Eucharist, greeting each other warmly. Yet behind the calm and familiar scene, a new step was quietly beginning.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr. Willy, CSsR, Moderator of the Parish Catholic Youth (OMK – Orang Muda Katolik). From the very start of the Mass, the presence of the young people brought a special energy to the church. Their faces showed enthusiasm and hope, as if they were ready to embrace something greater.
After the Prayer after Communion and just before the final blessing, the congregation was invited to listen to an important announcement. That morning, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish officially launched its Catholic Youth participation in the Alphonsian Youth Gathering II, which will be held in the Philippines in 2026.
Mr. Paber Hutabarat, Youth Coordinator, briefly explained the meaning of the event. The Alphonsian Youth Gathering (AYG) brings together Redemptorist young people from various countries across Asia Oceania. Though they come from different cultures and languages, they are united by the same faith. During the gathering, they pray together, share experiences, deepen their spirituality, and strengthen one another in their mission as disciples of Christ.
With the theme “Youth – Empowered – Sent,” AYG II calls young people to be strengthened in faith, empowered in their gifts, and sent out as witnesses of Christ in the world.
In his message, Fr. Willy emphasized that this opportunity is not merely a trip abroad. It is a journey of faith—a journey that shapes hearts and builds character.
“Our involvement shows that the Catholic Youth of Cijantung do not stand alone. We are connected with Redemptorist young people throughout Asia Oceania. Our participation is a way of showing that hope is alive here, and that young people are the living face of Christ, witnessing to the world,” he said.
As a sign of the official launch, four young people walked toward the altar carrying the AYG II logo. The song *Here I Am, Lord* played softly as they stepped forward. In a simple yet meaningful gesture, they raised the logo before the congregation—a symbol of readiness to move forward together.
The highlight of the celebration came with the striking of a gong by the Moderator, the Youth Chairperson, and the AYG Coordinator.
Tong… Tong… Tong…
The deep sound echoed throughout the church, creating a moment of profound silence. It marked the beginning of a new journey—a journey of faith and hope, not only for a few young delegates, but for the entire parish community.
On the same day, a similar launching took place at Paroki Santo Leo Agung Jatiwaringin. Several other Redemptorist parishes in different dioceses across Indonesia had already launched their participation in February. The same spirit is now alive in many places: young people ready to walk together as one Redemptorist family.
That morning, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish did more than announce participation in an international gathering. The parish reaffirmed its commitment to walk with its young people, to support them, and to believe that in their hands, the hope of the Church continues to grow.
“Here I am, Lord…”
A simple response, yet full of meaning—a readiness to go wherever God sends.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
