Thousands of young Catholics across the Philippines gathered in Naga City from June 10-14 for the National Youth Day, known as the “Pilgrims of Hope.” Organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and hosted by the Archdiocese of Caceres, the event celebrated the faith, unity, and resilience of the youth. Through prayer, cultural activities, and solemn ceremonies, the young pilgrims embraced the theme of hope and perseverance, making Naga City a vibrant center of spiritual renewal and solidarity.
DAY 1 – June 10, 2025: Day of Encounter
On June 10, 2025, around 4 p.m., Bea Baclig, Cielo Rule, Emman Almendrala, Edel Marie Patdu, Sofia Barcita, Alexis Dionsay Bagaipo, and Karl Axel Fabros—the delegates of the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community—arrived safely at their designated host parish, St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. After a long 12-hour journey, they were prepared to take part in National Youth Day 2025, themed “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer.” This five-day gathering took place in the Pilgrim City of Bicol, Naga City, and was hosted by the Archdiocese of Caceres. The event’s purpose was to bring young people together to celebrate their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ as a united community.
The delegates received a warm welcome from the parish youth coordinators assigned to them. They shared a hearty dinner accompanied by friendly conversations and warm coffee, followed by an inspiring welcoming speech and a family liturgy. After the celebration, the delegates met their designated foster families, who warmly welcomed them into their homes,
DAY 1 – June 11, 2025: Day of Communion
It was past 12 noon when the delegates departed from the host parish for Naga City to Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish to join the assembly and prepare for the Traslacion Procession to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The Traslacion Procession featured the revered images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro. Traditionally carried during the Peñafrancia festivities in Naga City, these sacred images were brought out for the National Youth Day of 2025, offering youth delegates a memorable experience. The young pilgrims immersed themselves in a cherished tradition reminiscent of the renowned Peñafrancia celebrations. Over 8,000 Catholic youths filled the entire place, their hearts burning with the Holy Spirit as they walked inside the Metropolitan Cathedral.
In the afternoon, the ceremony came alive with inspiring songs by Mike Shimamoto and Carmelle Collado, accompanied by vibrant Bicolano dances honoring the pilgrims of hope. As rain began to fall, it became a powerful symbol of the National Youth Day’s theme, “endure in affliction,” reminding everyone of God’s blessings. The event concluded with a spirit-filled Mass, leaving hearts uplifted and united.
Before departing from Naga and returning to their host parishes, the pilgrims had to walk a long distance to take their jeepney ride. Heavy rain began to fall, so they had to pray for it to subside. However, the other participants enjoyed the rain, sang praises to God while they were soaking wet. After persevering in prayer, God answered by sending the jeepneys. Hence, they returned safely to their foster families, hearts and spirits uplifted by God’s abundant love. Truly, God works in miraculous ways.
DAY 2 – June 12, 2025: Day of Formation
The day unfolded with a series of engaging activities. Preliminaries, lively dances, and singing energized the crowd, while group growth sessions and plenary formation activities were thoughtfully designed to deepen the pilgrims’ understanding of their faith and strengthen their connections with one another.
A highlight of the day was an interactive activity that encouraged social connection and community building. Each pilgrim received a sheet of paper and was given time to move around the room, filling it with the names, contact numbers, locations, and organizations of fellow participants. This exercise fostered new friendships and allowed the youth to explore and connect on a deeper level.
Later, the speaker, Jo-Ed Tome. took the stage to deliver an inspiring talk on temperance and self-awareness. His message invited the youth to reflect deeply on their identity as children and followers of Christ, encouraging personal growth and spiritual maturity.
In the afternoon, the pilgrims were divided into smaller groups to share their insights on the topic. Their final task involved identifying a unifying theme from their discussions and creatively expressing it by producing a TikTok video capturing the essence of their shared reflections. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).
The day concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer, uniting everyone in gratitude and reflection. Day 2 of National Youth Day proved to be an enriching experience, strengthening the faith and fellowship of the participants.
DAY 3 – June 13, 2025: Day of Pilgrimage
The delegates began their morning with a Eucharistic celebration, joined by pilgrims, their foster families, and volunteers at the host parish. At 9 a.m., they took part in a community outreach event, engaging with children through songs, dances, and sports to help them build a closer relationship with Jesus. Together, the delegates shared their thoughts about God, exchanged stories from their childhood days, and engaged in playful activities with the children to foster camaraderie.
Later, everyone returned to the host parish for the despedida celebration, where pilgrims from various organizations showcased their talents (vibrant dance and song performances). At 4 p.m., the delegates departed from St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, and traveled to Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica National Shrine Grounds in Naga City for the closing ceremonies and cultural night.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered, spreading their prayer mats across the grassy field. The evening began with a procession featuring the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, followed by a prayer. Pilgrims stayed throughout the day, eager to witness the spectacular dance and song performances. Their spirits were uplifted by Romar Chucas, who delivered a talk (both humorous and reflective) deepening their appreciation and understanding of God.
DAY 4 – June 14, 2025: Day of Mission
In the early morning of June 14, 2025, Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon, DD, Chairperson of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, officially announced that the Diocese of Kidapawan will host the National Conference of Youth Ministers (NCYM) from August 18 to 22, 2026. He also disclosed that the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro is set to host the next National Youth Day in 2028.
The National Youth Day in Caceres 2025 concluded with a closing Mass, followed by the “pagmamanto“—a cape worn by the Virgin Mary—being placed over each participant as prayers were offered, seeking her intercession. Afterward, the delegates returned to their foster families to say their final goodbyes and express their gratitude, as well as to bid farewell to the people they had met and their host parishes. By noon, the delegates purchased pasalubongs and souvenir mementos before heading home.
They arrived safely at the Lord’s Flock Heritage, Quezon City that night. This peaceful return to their spiritual home marked the end of a meaningful journey, leaving the delegates spiritually enriched and deeply connected to a larger community of faith. They carried with them a wealth of memories and reflections inspired by the verse: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
To God be the glory!
Scribes Ministry
Written by: Sofia Barcita (TLF East)
Edited by: Vera I. Tuplano (Scribes Steward)
