A personal reflection on faith, friendship, and mission during the Alphonsian Youth Gathering in the Philippines from May 12–20, 2026.

Mabuhay! Maayong adlaw!

When I look back on my experience at AYG II 2026 in the Philippines, one word that stays in my heart is encounter. AYG was not only a gathering of young people from different countries. For me, it became a journey where I encountered God through people, through simple moments, through laughter, through prayer, and even through tears. My AYG journey began meaningfully in Manila, especially at Baclaran Church, the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Being in that place reminded me that this gathering was not only an international youth event, but also part of a wider Redemptorist family and mission. From the beginning, I felt that we were being invited not only to attend, but to open our hearts to what God wanted to show us.

Baclaran Church was especially meaningful for me because the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help has been close to my personal faith journey. During my healing journey from cancer last year, the perpetual novena became one of the sources of strength, hope, and comfort for me. As I prayed before the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, I felt deeply touched. I was grateful, overwhelmed, and moved to tears in my heart, remembering how God had carried me and how Mother Mary had accompanied me through difficult times.

From the beginning of AYG, I learned that being young is not an excuse to stay silent, to be afraid, or to feel unworthy. Through the message from Jeremiah, I was reminded that even when I feel too young, not ready, or not capable enough, God still calls me and sends me. Youth are not only the future of the Church; we are also the Church today. This made me realize that my presence, my voice, and my journey of faith matter now.

Before the live-in experience, I honestly did not know what to expect. I wondered how it would feel to stay with people I had just met, in a place that was new to me, with different languages, cultures, and habits. But during the mission immersion in Mandaue City, Cebu, I learned that love has its own language. It does not always need perfect words. Sometimes, love is shown through a smile, a warm welcome, a shared meal, a simple conversation, or a home that is opened with sincerity. I had my live-in experience at Redemptorist Sacred Heart Chaplaincy, Jagobiao, Mandaue City. I stayed in the Deca House area with my foster family. My main foster family was Mama Rizza and Papa Sedrix, together with their children Khing, Harvs, Jansen, and Prince, as well as their nephews, Hans and Jonrell. Because of the house arrangement, the boys stayed at Mama Rizza’s house, including Neo, Tristhan, MJ, Steven from Legazpi, David and Chim from Vietnam, Bryan from Leo Agung Jakarta, Daniel, and Zebh from Lipa. Meanwhile, the other girls: Indah from Sumba, Mitzie from Lipa, Amy from Sri Lanka, and myself from Jakarta stayed at Mama Thes’s house with Papa Peddie and Honey Mae. Even though we stayed in different houses, we still felt like one big family because we went to activities together, gathered again at night, and shared many simple but meaningful moments.

What made the live-in even more meaningful was the kindness of my foster family and the other foster families around Deca House. They did not only open their homes, but also their hearts. During our time together, they treated me with so much care, from sharing meals and treating me to lechon and Jollibee, to giving me memorable souvenirs that I will always treasure. These gestures may seem simple, but for me they were priceless because they made me feel truly welcomed, loved, and remembered. Some of my favorite memories were not only from the big events, but from the small moments in between. We walked around the neighborhood, stopped by a small chapel to pray, shared stories, and ate Mango Ice Candy at one of the foster family’s houses. We also danced together to “Hawak Mo Ang Beat” and “Budots Dance,” which made everyone laugh and feel closer. In those moments, I realized that joy can be very simple. It can be found in dancing, eating together, learning each other’s language, and allowing ourselves to be part of each other’s lives.

One of the most emotional moments for me was our farewell night during the Boodle Fight party. The foster families prepared everything with so much effort and love. At first, the night was filled with food, laughter, and stories. But slowly, it became a moment of gratitude and tears. We shared our experiences from the live-in, listened to one another, exchanged gifts from our cities and countries, and realized how much we had received from each other in such a short time. That night, I understood that the Boodle Fight party was not only about the food on the table, but also about the love behind it. It was their way of gathering us, celebrating our time together, and making us feel like family. I also became close not only with my own foster family, but also with the other foster mothers, fathers, and families around Deca House who welcomed us with the same warmth and care. Until now, we still keep in touch, and that means a lot to me. The bond did not end when AYG ended. They are no longer just people I met during a program; they have become like a real family to me.

Apart from the live-in, the apostolate was also one of the most emotional moments for me. We visited children in Cebu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center and women in Cebu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Women. At first, I thought we were there simply to greet them, bring joy, and spend time with them. But as we talked, asked about their dreams, shared thoughts, and even danced together, I realized that the encounter touched me much more deeply than I expected. Seeing their smiles, hearing their dreams, and being present with them made me emotional. I was reminded that every person, no matter their situation, carries dignity, hope, and a story worth listening to. Some of them may be living through difficult chapters, but they still showed courage, warmth, and joy. That experience taught me that mission is not always about giving advice or doing something big. Sometimes, mission begins by being present, by listening sincerely, and by allowing ourselves to be touched and changed by the people we meet.

A mission is not always about doing something big. Sometimes, mission begins by being present, by listening, and by seeing Christ in the person in front of us. I learned that I do not need a microphone or a stage to be a missionary disciple. I only need a heart that has encountered God’s love and mercy. Another beautiful experience was Flores de Mayo, where I had the chance to accompany children, teach them, play with them, and share joy with them. Their energy and sincerity reminded me that God’s love can be experienced through simple happiness. The Taizé prayer also gave me space to calm my heart and reflect on everything I had experienced during the live-in. Through the silence, prayer, and sharing, I felt that God was gently helping me understand the meaning of all those encounters.

The Praise and Worship night was another moment that helped me experience the joy of young people in faith. Seeing everyone sing, pray, and worship together reminded me that faith can be alive, expressive, and full of energy. It made me realize that God is not against our joy. He wants young people to be joyful, bold, and rooted in Him. ASIOC Night was also an unforgettable moment. Every delegation gave their best and went all out to introduce their culture through songs, dances, costumes, and traditions. I was amazed by how each country brought something unique, yet all of us were united by the same faith and joy. Through that night, I saw that the Church is beautiful not because everyone is the same, but because we are different and still one in Christ.

During the mission immersion, I was also reminded of God’s love through A-I-E-O-U: Amazing, Impartial, Everlasting, Outstanding, and Unconditional. God’s love is for everyone. It is not limited by who I am, what I have done, or what I lack. After experiencing God’s love, I am called not only to receive it, but also to own it and share it with others.

AYG also helped me reflect on myself as a young person. There were times when I felt shy, unsure, or not good enough. But through the sessions and homilies, I was reminded that God does not wait for us to become perfect before He calls us. He calls us as we are and invites us to grow. One message that stayed with me was: “Be a Tree, Not a Building.” A tree has different seasons. Sometimes it blooms, sometimes it bears fruit, and sometimes it loses its leaves. But as long as its roots are strong, it continues to grow. This reminded me that I do not need to look perfect all the time. I do not need to be strong every moment. What matters is to remain rooted in God and to keep growing as the person He created me to be.

I also learned that true joy does not come from power, position, money, achievements, or being seen as a happy person. Only Jesus can give real joy, and nothing can take that joy away. God is not against our joy. We are allowed to live our youth fully: to dream, explore, love, dance, laugh, and make mistakes. But in all of that, we should never remove our gaze from Jesus. Life will not always be easy, but what defines us is where our eyes are fixed. As long as our eyes are on Jesus, we are safe. Another important lesson was about encounters. In a world full of content, I realized that people are still starving for real encounters. Knowing Jesus is not just information; it is a life-changing encounter. Through encounter, God gives identity and direction. Even when I feel broken, not enough, or unworthy, God reminds me that I am created with purpose, loved, safe, and called to mission.

Through the theme YES: Youth, Empowered, Sent, I learned that faith is not something to keep only for myself. As Youth, I am called to know who I am and to recognize God’s presence in my life. As Empowered, I am strengthened by God’s unconditional love and by the community around me. As Sent, I am called to bring home everything I received and share it with others. AYG also taught me about discipleship and service. Even when I feel weak, unprepared, sinful, or not enough, God still chooses, trusts, and sends me. A disciple is someone who keeps growing in faith, learns from others, and eventually helps others grow too. Serving does not always have to be something big. A simple smile, presence, or support can give life to another person.

I was also reminded that Jesus sends us out on mission, but He does not leave us alone. He guides us, shows us the way, helps us learn from our sins, and keeps us from falling away. This gave me courage to face struggles and pain, because I know that I am not walking alone. Through the reflection on holiness and the will of God, I learned that being holy is not about being boring or perfect. Holiness is about becoming fully human, being joyful, loving God greatly, staying united with Him, and doing everything for Him. Like light passing through broken glass, God can also shine through my brokenness. True love for God means surrendering myself to His will.

AYG may have ended, but I believe the mission has just begun. I bring home more than memories, photos, and souvenirs. I bring home a renewed heart, meaningful friendships, and a deeper awareness that God can be found in simple encounters. I want to live with more joy, courage, gratitude, and love. I want to be more present for my family, friends, church community, and people who may feel alone, unseen, or not good enough. Finally, AYG changed strangers into brothers and sisters. I learned that my life does not stop with myself. After being touched by God and by others, I am also called to touch, help, and strengthen others. AYG gave me faith, joy, courage, love, and a deeper awareness that I am called, empowered, and sent.

I am also deeply grateful to God and Mother Mary for guiding and accompanying me throughout this journey. My heartfelt thanks go to the priests, religious, organizing committee, volunteers, benefactors, foster families, fellow delegates, my family, my parish community, and everyone who supported and made AYG II 2026 possible. I am especially grateful for the new brothers and sisters I met from Indonesia, friends from Kalimantan, Sumba, Leo Agung Jakarta, and many other places, as well as from different countries across Asia and Oceania. Thank you for caring for me, checking on me, helping me, and walking with me throughout this journey. You made me feel that I was never alone. I am also especially grateful to the organizing committee in Manila who cared for me and helped me when I had to go to the emergency room during the gathering. Their kindness, quick help, and concern made me feel safe and truly accompanied. Your prayers, generosity, service, and love allowed me to experience the beauty of faith, friendship, and mission in a very real way. If I had to summarize my AYG II 2026 experience in one sentence, I would say: I am called, loved, and sent. God does not call me because I am perfect, but because He loves me, believes in me, and sends me to share His love with others.

Daghang salamat, Philippines. Daghang salamat, AYG II 2026.

Hanggang sa muli. Pagpalain po kayo ng Diyos.

Kezia Anascadia
Redemptorist Youth Delegate from Indonesia
Parish of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Cijantung, DKI Jakarta.

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.