Naga City, Philippines. On June 9, 2025, delegates from Claret Youth Ministry departed from the Claret Retreat House, journeying to Naga City for the National Youth Day 2025 (NYD Cáceres 2025). This gathering featured approximately 8,000 youth delegates from various organizations, dioceses, and archdioceses of the Philippines. The celebration occurred from June 10-14, 2025, hosted by the Archdiocese of Cáceres.
On June 10th, the Aldaw nin Encuentro (Day of Encounter), the delegates from Claret Youth Ministry (CYM) received a warm welcome on a rainy night from St. Bernard Abbot Parish. After registration, they were introduced to their host families, marking the official start of the event.
During the second day, Aldaw nin Communion, the day started with the host parish’s history and a ‘getting to know each other’ session, where CYM, Mary Help of Christians Crusade, and the Diocese of Borongan shared not only their names but also their purpose in joining NYD. Soon, they were paired into groups and shared their reflections on what was shared with them. After the session, the delegates from St. Bernando Abbot Parish gathered for the Traslacion Procession at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish to Naga Metropolitan Cathedral with an estimated 55,000 pilgrims.
On June 12, for the Aldaw nin Formation (Day of Formation), the delegates gathered at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture for a morning prayer and Eucharistic celebration. The program started with an energetic dance performance, followed by engaging sessions led by Jo-ed Tome, and interactive workshops that included group activities. The day ended with a vibrant celebration of Barrio Fiesta at the host parish, where the delegates and host families enjoyed dinner together. Immediately after, they were entertained by a variety of performances prepared by the youth of the host parish, CYM, MHCC, and the Diocese of Borongan.
For the Aldaw nin Peregrinacion (Day of Pilgrimage), a Eucharistic Celebration with pilgrims, foster families, and volunteers was held at Harong (the host parish). Afterwards, the participants registered for community immersion, which consisted of Forest Defender-Tree Planting, an Educational Session on Abaca Production, Brigada Eskwela, Brigada Pagbasa, Ligtas-Gubat-Cleanup Drive, Agring-agri, and Kudkud Coconut. Following this, the delegates were given time for a despedida celebration at their foster families’ homes and the host parish. They then departed for Naga City, arriving at 7 pm for dinner at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine Grounds, where they spent the rest of the night enjoying the cultural night, prayer vigil, and closing ceremonies.
For the last day of NYD, Aldaw nin Mision (Day of Mission) began with a closing Mass and pagmanto, marking the end of the celebration and the departure of each delegate to their respective communities.
NYD Cáceres 2025 is an experience I will never forget. It started with ‘I can’t wait for this day to end’ and ended with ‘I hope this day will never end.’ The warm welcome and hugs from newfound friends and foster families, the culture shared by the community, and the beautiful places of Ocampo made me feel at home. Every moment of tiredness and sleepless nights is all worth it. The gathering reignited my passion for serving the Lord and inspired me to share these experiences with others. It was a powerful reminder of my calling as a youth and a child of God, a testament that this journey is not just a phase, but my mission.
May we continue to deepen our faith and carry on the lessons we have gained from these experiences as we journey together towards a future guided by God’s plan for us. Dios Mabalos, Mga Katood! – Angelie Altubar
