RRAYS VISAYAS-MINDANAO

Balamban, Cebu – Rooted in the celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño and inspired by this year’s theme, “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (John 15:27), 216 delegates from Mindanao, Negros, and Cebu gathered for the 2025 Visayas-Mindanao Regional Recollect Augustinian Youth Summit (RRAYS) from January 10 to 12, 2025. Held at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Balamban, the summit embodied the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY) movement’s commitment to fostering prayer, community, and missionary zeal among its members.

The summit opened with the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR, Section for Spirituality and Permanent Formation, setting a sacred and reflective tone for the three-day gathering. The first talk, delivered by Rev. Fr. Gideon Antolin Lagrimas, OAR, explored the summit’s theme, urging participants to be steadfast witnesses of Christ in their lives. His message set the tone for the event, encouraging the delegates to embrace their role as bearers of faith, unity, and hope within their communities.

Building on this call to witness, the summit’s first day was marked by the vibrant Barrio Fiesta, a celebration of cultural diversity and unity. Delegates showcased their hometowns’ unique traditions through dances, presentations, and other expressions of local heritage. Raysters reflected their hometowns’ unique identities while symbolizing their shared mission of building a civilization of love rooted in Augustinian spirituality.

The second day offered delegates a deeper understanding of their journey as followers of Christ, marked by the talk on “Pilgrims of Hope” by Kenneth S. Parra, RN, LPT, RAY de Talisay lay collaborator. His session emphasized the youth’s role as hopeful pilgrims, journeying toward God’s kingdom and spreading His message of love and compassion.

Following the talk, the delegates were set to engage in an Amazing race that aimed to test their teamwork. However, due to time constraints, the activity was shortened, and three stations were played instead. These games, while brief, fostered camaraderie among the participants and exemplified the summit’s spirit of unity and collaboration.

Later that afternoon, the delegates embarked on a solemn pilgrimage to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, where they deepened their connection to the Holy Child. Kneeling in prayer, they reflected on the Santo Niño’s image of humility and trust in God, echoing the Augustinian ideal of searching for and proclaiming God’s kingdom.

The summit’s final day centered on vocations, with Rev. Fr. Paul Demillones, OAR, National Vocations Promoter, delivering an inspiring talk on the importance of discerning God’s call. His words urged the youth to embrace their unique roles in the Church, whether as lay collaborators, religious, or servants within their communities.

A key highlight of the final day was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagtiosa, OAR, RAY Provincial Spiritual Adviser, during which 21 aspirants were inducted as full-fledged members of the RAY movement. This act of commitment affirmed the movement’s mission to form young people to live their Christian vocation and uphold the values of community, service, and spiritual growth.

The event was further enriched by the presence of several spiritual directors from Visayas and Mindanao, who supported the formation of the youth throughout the summit: 

1. Rev. Fr. Cirilo Andan, OAR (Sanctuario)
2. Rev. Fr. Roland Cepe, OAR (Talisay)
3. Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamine Edobor, OAR (San Carlos)
4. Rev. Fr. Christopher Gaspar, OAR (Los Arcos)
5. Rev. Fr. Nimrod Launio, OAR (Balamban)
6. Rev. Fr. Corvin Maturan, OAR (UNO-R Bacolod)
7. Rev. Fr. Invenzor Melgazo, OAR (Laray)
8. Rev. Fr. Mark Ryan Prado, OAR (Valencia)
9. Rev. Fr. Rouel Sia, OAR (USJR Main)
10. Rev. Fr. Cristito Rey Tepace, OAR (Hinatuan)
11. Rev. Fr. Julius James Tinapao, OAR (Caidiocan)
12. and Rev. Fr. Tomokatsu Yamaguchi, OAR (Tambo)

Their presence, along with the guidance of Rev. Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR, Rev. Fr. Raul Buhay, OAR, and Rev. Fr. Domingo Saladaga, OAR, emphasized the summit’s spiritual foundation and the unwavering support of the Augustinian Recollect community in nurturing the faith of the youth.

The 2025 RRAYS concluded with hearts ignited by faith and a renewed sense of mission. The delegates returned to their communities, carrying with them the lessons, spiritual growth, and unity fostered during the summit. Anchored in the Augustinian values of being “one heart and soul on the way to God,” the youth are now empowered to live out the charism of the Recollect Augustinian movement, strengthening the bonds of faith, service, and community for years to come.