14th RAYNS Day 3: A Showcase of Culture

The Recollect Augustinian Youth National Summit (RAYNS) went on its third day with various interactive activities in Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary (CaReS), Baguio City.

The third day, January 27, 2024, started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the seminary chapel, presided by Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR, President of the Secretariat of Spirituality, Charism, and Permanent Formation of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

In his homily, Fr. Barrot emphasized the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model of the youth, implying one’s humble submission to the will of God despite one’s fears and doubts.

Morning session started with a video message from Fr. Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR, Prior General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects.

Fr. Hernandez encouraged the participants of the 14th RAYNS to dream of a better world and to think big by having big projects in life.

He said, “You (RAYsters) are the future of the Church, of society, and of the Order.”

“I’d like to dream with you…that the Order may have young men and women who are committed and brave…eager to work, willing to love Jesus Christ, and ready to work for the kingdom of God,” he added.

After the video message from the Prior General, Fr. Paul Demilliones, OAR gave a talk on vocation and vocation discernment.

Fr. Demilliones told the participants that “As we fully embrace our vocation, we can give ourselves fully to the service of others.”

After the break, Cyrine Julianne Singson, Christine Joy Euraba, Shiela Mae Flores, and Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagiosa, OAR, who represented the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno during the 38th World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal last August 2023, shared their journey and experiences during that week-long European pilgrimage.

In their sharing, they expressed how ironically beautiful their experiences were despite getting lost in finding their way several times, the language barriers, and other tests of faith during WYD 2023.

Midday prayer concluded the morning session.

In the afternoon, full-fledged RAYsters elected their new set of officers at the seminary mini-theater.

Other participants who were not involved in the election had their aseo personal (personal care); some joined the seminarians in their game period.

Around 4:30 pm, the participants went to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Mirador Hill while praying the rosary, followed by the singing of hymns, offering flowers to the Blessed Mother, and pictorials per community.

Praying the Vespers concluded the afternoon affairs.

The rest of the night was spent with a Cultural Show at the seminary mini-theater where the delegates from 24 Recollect communities showcased their talents and culture; delicacies from the different communities were shared by the participants.

Fr. Ismael Xuruc, OAR, 6th General Councilor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and In-charge of  Juventudes Agustino Recoletas (JAR), gave an inspiring video message to the participants during the Cultural Show.

He reminded the RAYsters of their identity and vocation, charism and spirituality, and of their accomplishments and formation.

Fr. Xuruc inspired the participants to radiate joy and hope to others as they awakened Jesus within their hearts, and to proclaim to the whole world that Jesus gives meaning to their lives.