A personal reflection on faith, friendship, and mission during the Alphonsian Youth Gathering in the Philippines from May 12–20, 2026.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” — Colossians 3:14
When people ask me about AYG 2026, I find it difficult to answer in just a few words.
Was it a youth gathering? Yes.
Was it an international event? Certainly.
But for me, it became something much deeper. It became a journey where I encountered God through people. Looking back now, I realize that some of the most important lessons I learned during AYG began even before I arrived in the Philippines. Just before departure, I discovered that I had forgotten my passport. What was supposed to be a smooth and exciting journey suddenly turned into panic. While the rest of the delegation continued their travel plans, I had to find a way to retrieve my passport and travel separately. At that moment, I honestly thought I might miss the gathering. I remember praying repeatedly, asking God to guide me through the situation. Somehow, step by step, everything worked out. Flights, transportation, timing—things that seemed impossible suddenly became possible. By God’s grace, I arrived safely and was still able to participate in the opening activities.
That experience reminded me that faith is not only about trusting God when everything goes according to plan. Faith is also trusting Him when the plan falls apart. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by a warmth that immediately made me feel at home. The hospitality of the Filipino people was something I will never forget. Whether it was the organizing committee, volunteers, local communities, foster families, or fellow delegates, everyone seemed to serve with genuine joy and generosity. One of the greatest gifts of AYG was the people I met.
Throughout the week, I formed friendships with delegates from many countries. We came from different cultures, spoke different languages, and carried different stories. Yet somehow, those differences never became barriers. Instead, they became opportunities to learn from one another. Some of my favorite memories were not the major events on the schedule, but the simple moments in between—sharing meals, exchanging stories, laughing together, taking photos, travelling between venues, and having late-night conversations about life and faith.
Somehow, strangers became friends, and friends became family. Another experience that deeply touched me was the immersion programme. We visited a women’s rehabilitation center and a community affected by leprosy. Before going there, I thought we were visiting to encourage them. Instead, they encouraged me! Listening to their stories, praying with them, and witnessing their faith despite their struggles challenged me deeply. I met people who carried heavy burdens, yet continued to trust in God with remarkable strength and hope. I realized that mission is not always about teaching others. Sometimes mission begins with listening. Sometimes mission means allowing yourself to be transformed by the people you meet. I was equally moved by our outreach activities with children. Their joy, energy, and sincerity were contagious. We spent time playing, sharing food, talking, and simply being present with them. In their smiles, I encountered a simple but powerful reminder of God’s love.
The cultural exchange activities were another highlight of AYG. Representing Japan and sharing our devotion to Our Lady of Akita allowed me to contribute a small part of my culture and faith tradition to the gathering. At the same time, I was inspired by the rich traditions of other countries and the beautiful diversity of the Redemptorist family across Asia.
My foster family also left a lasting impression on me. Although we had only known each other for two days, they welcomed us with extraordinary kindness. They shared their home, their meals, their time, and their hearts. Through their generosity, I witnessed a living example of Christian hospitality.
Throughout the entire week, there was one thing that kept appearing in different forms. I saw it in the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. I saw it in the foster families who welcomed strangers into their homes. I saw it in the children who shared their joy with us. I saw it in the patients and residents we met during immersion. I saw it in every delegate who offered friendship, encouragement, and support. It was love. Only after returning home did I realize why the words of Colossians 3:14 resonated so strongly with me: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” That verse was not the theme of AYG. It became my personal reflection on AYG.
When I think about everything I experienced, the friendships, the service, the prayers, the cultural exchanges, the foster families, and the immersion programm, I realize that love was the thread connecting every moment. Love was what transformed strangers into family. Love was what united people from different nations. Love was what allowed us to see Christ in one another.
More than photographs and souvenirs, I brought home a renewed faith, meaningful friendships, and a deeper appreciation of the beauty of the universal Church. Although AYG 2026 has come to an end, its lessons and encounters will continue to shape my journey long after the farewell.
We arrived as strangers, gathered as friends, and departed as family in Christ. For me, that is what AYG 2026 will always mean.
By Rivaldo Marsel Tumbelaka
Redemptorist Youth Delegate from Japan
The Alphonsian Youth Gathering (AYG) is an international gathering of young people from the Redemptorist family, bringing together different cultures and nations to deepen faith, build friendships, and share in the mission of Jesus the Redeemer through prayer, formation, and missionary experience.
