The Final day of the AYG 2024 was a remarkable day of prayer, input, sharing, celebration and sending out for the mission.
The day began with morning prayer followed by a light session of singing with action songs. This was followed by a talk by Fr Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R., General Consultor, on the Mission for Young People in our world today. After the break, Fr. Rogerio Gomes, C.Ss.R., Superior General, addressed the Young People about the role, responsibility, challenges as Redemptorist Young Missionaries of Hope in the footsteps of the Redeemer. He then had an interactive session with the young people answering their questions.
The afternoon was spent in personal testimonies of different young people. Fr Edward Joseph also addressed the group on the vocation of the Redemptorist Brother today and introduced the Brothers Commission of the Conference of Asia Oceania to the group consisting of Brothers Celestine (Singapore), Alphonso (Indonesia), Francis (Vietnam), and Regan (Manila). The highlight of the evening was the closing mass which had traditional dances from Sumba for the introduction and offertory. Fr Rogerion in his homily emphasised the need young people to be “Street Evangelisers” enthusiastic for the mission today. The Eucharist concluded with words of thanks from Fr Jack, the Provincial of Indonesia, Fr Yoakim Ndelo, the Conference Coordinator, Fr Ino Cueto the Vice Provincial of Malaysia and Singapore, Fr Edward Joseph, the Provincial of Bangalore, and Fr Ediberto Cepe the Provincial of Cebu. Finally, Fr Ivel (General Consultor for Asia Oceania) proposed the vote of thanks as he expressed his thanks to everyone, and especially the various teams who formed part of the organisation of the event.
Special thanks was given to Fr Willy Palla, C.Ss.R, the man behind the organisation of the AYG 2024. Fr Willy then announced that the next AYG 2026 would be in the Philippines under the lead of the Province of Cebu and the Vice Province of Manila. The AYG cross was then handed over to the RYVM of the Philippines and the procession was held after dinner to the coconut grove with an open fire in which were placed petitions from the leaders of each of the participating countries, a final concluding prayer and blessing from Fr Ivel followed by a wonderful display of fireworks that lit up the night sky. The event concluded with a party of song and entertainment.
The Alphonsian Youth Gathering of Asia Oceania came to a close with a wonderful celebration of being One Encounter, One Family and One Mission. We now go to the Philippines as we await 2026.
Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R.
General Consultor
