From 17th to 19th of August 2026, the Redemptorist youth ministry moderators from across the Asia-Oceania Conference gathered in Min Buri, Bangkok, Thailand, for a meeting focused on strengthening the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM).
The meeting was coordinated by the Youth Commission of the Asia-Oceania Conference, with the theme: “Walking Together with Young People: Listening, Empowering and Missioning in Asia-Oceania.” Participants came from different Redemptorist units, including Bangalore, Majella, Liguori, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Manila, Cebu, Japan, and Indonesia. The meeting was also attended by the Conference Coordinator, Fr. Kimy.
Listening to Young People
The first day began with an invitation to look honestly at the realities of young people in Asia-Oceania. Fr. Willy, Youth Commission Coordinator, presented the topic “Youth Concerns and Realities in Asia-Oceania.” The presentation was followed by sharing and discussion about the different experiences of accompanying young people in various countries. One important point became clear: our mission is not simply to organise activities for young people. We are called to walk with them. The goal is to accompany young people towards an encounter with Christ, conversion, and a deeper sense of mission. But this journey also begins with us. As Redemptorists, we are first invited to allow ourselves to be renewed and converted by Christ. The meeting also reminded participants of the importance of respecting young people, listening to their stories, and recognising them not simply as “participants” in our programmes, but as people with gifts, questions, dreams, and a real place in the life and mission of the Church. The first day continued with a session on digital evangelisation Fr. Biju Madathikunnel CSsR, followed by a reflection on the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which offered further inspiration for the mission of accompanying young people in today’s digital and rapidly changing world.
Learning from AYG 2026
The second day focused on the experience of the Alphonsian Youth Gathering (AYG) 2026, hosted by Manila and Cebu in the Philippines. The teams from Manila and Cebu shared their experiences and presented the report and evaluation of the gathering. Their sharing provided an opportunity to celebrate what went well, to recognise the challenges, and to learn together for future youth ministry initiatives. The participants then began looking ahead to AYG 2029, which will be hosted in Thailand. Through a brainstorming process, participants were divided into three groups to reflect on possible themes and directions for the next gathering. The conversation was not simply about finding a good slogan. It was about asking a deeper question: What does God want to say to the young people of Asia-Oceania today?
Learning from the Social Ministry of Thailand
Another important moment came through the sharing of Fr. Big CSsR who introduced the participants to the Redemptorist social ministry in Thailand. His sharing showed how social ministry can become a concrete expression of the Redemptorist mission: being close to people, especially those who are vulnerable and in need. For youth ministry, this experience also offered an important reminder. Young people need not only formation and activities. They also need opportunities to serve, to encounter people on the margins, and to discover that their faith can make a real difference in the world.
Understanding the RYVM Guidelines
The meeting continued with a session led by Fr. Peter Balaswamy CSsR, who helped participants deepen their understanding of the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) Guidelines. The session was both practical and inspiring. It invited the participants to look beyond individual programmes and to think about youth ministry as a long-term mission of accompaniment, listening, discernment, formation, and mission. The challenge is clear: we are not simply doing ministry for young people; we are walking with them and helping them discover their vocation and mission in Christ.
Walking Together
As the three-day meeting ended, participants were reminded that youth ministry in Asia-Oceania cannot be carried out alone. The diversity of cultures, languages, realities, and pastoral situations can sometimes be a challenge. But it is also a gift. By listening to one another, sharing experiences, learning from successes and failures, and dreaming together, the Redemptorists of Asia-Oceania can continue to strengthen their ministry among young people. The meeting ended with gratitude to the hosts, speakers, Conference Coordinator, Youth Commission team, and all the participants who contributed to the gathering.
The journey continues
Walking with young people means listening to them, empowering them, and sending them. And above all, it means walking with them towards Christ.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
