CaReS Hosts 14th RAYNS

DAY 1: The Kick-Off!

With the theme, “Those Who Love, Walk,” the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY) of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno convened for the 14th RAY National Summit at Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary (CaReS), Baguio City.

RAYSters from 23 Recoletos communities from different parts of the country and for the first time from the lone Recollect community in Indonesia comprise the total of 220 registered delegates for this year’s summit.

Registration started at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Most of the participants came on buses from San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Manila and SSC-R Cavite.

Jimsly Vailoces, a RAYSter from the Recoletos de Tambo community, said, “This is my first time in Baguio City, and I feel very excited for this summit. This summit serves as a tool in my vocation discernment to the Recollect Order as well.”

The event commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, Seminary Rector, at the Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

He also told the congregation that “the Church wants us to be missionaries of joy- not only a sign of joy but one who brings joy to others.”

“Let the love of God fill you all the time,” he added.

After the Mass, the delegates danced to the tune of the theme song of the Juventudes Agustino Recoletas (JAR) entitled, Quienes Aman, Caminan (Those Who Love, Walk) and had the photo opportunity.

After dinner and then the night prayer, the opening salvo was held at the seminary mini-theater, where the participants were officially welcomed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Dexter D. Palagiosa, OAR, head of the Section on Youth Ministry of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. 

Orientation and house rules were also given to the delegates before the welcome program ended.

Christian Mariobelo of Recoletos de Indonesia expressed his feelings of gratitude and excitement for this summit. 

He said, “This event is beyond my expectations and, coming from a Muslim-majority country, having gathered together with my fellow RAYSters makes me feel more Catholic.”