The Augustinian Youth Gathering – Western Visayas 2025 officially opened at San Jose Parish, Placer, today, August 2, 2025. Participants and delegates began arriving for registration before settling at the covered court of San Jose Catholic School, where most activities will take place.
Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA, Parish Priest of San Jose Parish, welcomed the delegates with heartfelt words: “Welcome to the family; welcome home. This is your home!” He reflected on the providential timing of the gathering, aligned with the Church’s observance of the Year of Hope. Drawing from the infancy narrative of Luke, he reminded the youth how Jesus grew in wisdom and favor through Mary and Joseph. He invited everyone to anchor their hope in Christ and live this virtue within their families, communities, and the Church.
After the welcome message, delegates from San Jose Catholic School, San Jose Parish Placer, and Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod were acknowledged during the roll call. A vibrant Dinagyang presentation by Tribu Pan-ay energized the atmosphere.
In a recorded message, Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, DD, the Archbishop of Jaro, shared a memorable anecdote from a youth event, where an elderly woman described the youth as “kiti-kiti”—restless like mosquito larvae. He explained that while this energy may seem chaotic, it is also a sign of creativity, vitality, and spiritual growth. He compared this restlessness to the early life of St. Augustine, whose deep longing and searching only found fulfillment in Christ: “Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new.” The bishop encouraged the youth to embrace their restlessness, but to direct it toward Christ, who alone can transform it into holiness and joy
Fr. Wilson Capellan, Chairman of the Provincial Commission on Youth, reminded the participants in a recorded message: “You are not just the future of the Church; you are its present heartbeat.” He urged them to be courageous in hope—not a vague desire, but a certainty rooted in God’s promises. He encouraged the youth to see themselves as part of a living Augustinian tradition, shaped by the love of Christ and called to respond to trials with faith, and to selfishness with charity.
Fr. Melitito Pocholo Visda, Secretary of the Provincial Commission on Youth, welcomed the delegates, highlighting the goal of regional youth gatherings: to provide meaningful encounters for those unable to join national events. He affirmed the youth as messengers of hope and joy, quoting Pope Leo XIV’s words: “You are the salt of the earth and light of the world. You are this message. You must continue to bring hope to everyone. Let us hope that you will always be a sign of hope for the world.”
Fr. Visda also introduced the lineup of talks, reflections, and community immersions that would follow, each designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of hope in action. These experiences will lead to concrete proposals for youth ministry initiatives, ensuring continuity and responsiveness to the needs of young people.
The opening program concluded with a lively performance of the official AYG theme song by the San Jose Placer Youth Commission Animators, followed by the awarding of a Plaque of Appreciation to its composer, Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA. Afterwards, participants engaged in a “Getting to Know You” activity and were then assigned to their respective groups.
