A personal reflection on faith, friendship, and mission during the Alphonsian Youth Gathering in the Philippines from May 12–20, 2026.
In this reflection, I would like to share two things that touched my heart most deeply during the Alphonsian Youth Gathering (AYG 2026) held in the Philippines. These are the deepest personal reflections from my heart. I am truly grateful to AYG for drawing me closer to God, for helping me realize that becoming a young missionary of Christ is not as difficult as I once thought, and for planting in my heart a beautiful grace-filled memory of youth.
The first thing I deeply realized during AYG was that God is truly present in every step of my journey and constantly walks with me wherever I go.
During the immersion activity, our foster mothers welcomed 11 foster children. Speaking about the immersion activity, my foster mothers welcomed 11 foster daughters. Among them, 9 were Filipinos coming from different provinces and cities across the country, and only 2 of us were Vietnamese – myself and one of my friends. On the first day at the foster home, the two of us were assigned to different rooms. Since it was my first time living with everyone, I felt nervous and afraid in a way I could not fully explain. I worried that I would not be able to connect with the others, especially when I heard everyone speaking Tagalog – the main language of the Filipinos. I became even more shy and quiet. However, that very same evening, God slowly changed my perspective through the people He placed in my life. The Filipino friends He sent to me were truly kind and welcoming. Knowing that I could not understand Tagalog, they intentionally spoke to me in English. Through them, I learned more about Filipino culture and traditions, and I also witnessed how they live out and nurture their faith in daily life. Through the immersion activity at AYG, in just three short days, our foster mothers and all of us became deeply connected. And thanks be to God, even though the program has ended and everyone has returned to their own lives, we still keep in touch and continue to remember one another in our prayers.
Throughout this journey, God allowed me to experience many emotions – moments of joy, sadness, and even loneliness. But I came to realize that everything God allows to happen has a purpose within His loving plan. All things are held within His divine providence. A few years ago, I often asked God, “Lord, are You truly walking with me?” But now my prayer has changed. Today I pray, “Lord, help me understand what You want to teach me through this situation.” And little by little, I have become more sensitive to His presence in my life. I have come to realize that what God prepares for me is far greater and more beautiful than the limited desires I hold in my own heart, because He always goes before us, guiding our path and preparing the best for His children. “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
And the second thing I realized through AYG – the thing that truly changed the way I see the missionary calling – is that becoming a young missionary is not as difficult or unattainable as I once thought. Through the activities of AYG, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with many young people from different countries. We shared about our RYM groups, the reasons why we joined youth ministry, the joys and struggles of serving in youth communities and Church organizations, and most especially, our journeys of faith with God. Most of our conversations revolved around God, the Church, and the beautiful things the Lord has done in each of our lives. We found so much joy in listening to one another’s simple yet living testimonies of faith. And before we even realized it, we had become united and accompanied one another throughout the journey of AYG 2026.
Before this experience, I used to ask myself: “How can I become a missionary when I am still so young? How can I serve when I have not achieved success or gained anything in this world?” But through AYG, God spoke to my heart through this verse: “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’” (Jeremiah 1:7)
I realized that we were never talking about success, money, status, or possessions. We were talking about God. We shared with one another the small yet grace-filled moments we experienced with Him. And in those simple conversations, I truly felt peace, joy, and a deep movement within my soul. I came to realize that God does not ask me to be perfect before following Him. He does not require me to be successful or “worthy” by the standards of the world. What He desires is simply a willing heart, sincere faith, and the courage to share Him through the ordinary moments of daily life.
AYG did not only leave me with beautiful memories of youth, it also helped me recognize God’s invitation for my own life: to live my faith more boldly, to love the Church more deeply, and to courageously become a small light in today’s world.
If God has been giving me the grace and strength to become a young missionary, then surely He has been giving them to you as well – because we are all His beloved children.
By God’s grace, we can become true young missionaries…!
Mary Nguyen Thi Thu Hau
Redemporist Youth from Saigon, Vietnam
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.
