Saint Louis University (SLU) participated in the 5th Regional Conference of Youth Ministers (RCYM), fortifying its role and responsibilities as a Catholic institution. The conference, hosted by the Diocese of Baguio for this year and with SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD as the co-host, entailed plenary sessions held at the SLU Laboratory Elementary School (SLU-LES) on 24 April 2025.
The RCYM is a biannual gathering of young leaders and youth ministers conducted by the Northern Luzon Regional Youth Coordinating Council. With the theme “Hope does not disappoint” from Romans 5:5, this convention aimed to renew and strengthen the participants’ commitment to fulfilling Christ’s mission by strengthening their hope. Representatives from the different sub-regions within Northern Luzon gathered at Baguio City for a meaningful and spiritual time.
The day officially started with a eucharistic celebration at the Baguio Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement. The mass was presided over by Bishop Daniel O. Presto, D.D., the bishop of San Fernando de La Unión, Ilocandia Sub Region. In his homily, he reminded the attendees of the primary significance of this event, which is to carry out their mission.
“As we journey, we will find our fellow youths. We will find fellow brothers and sisters experiencing difficulties in life. That is why those who are in darkness because of sins, those who are in darkness because of lack of hope or hardships in life, we will also accompany them and bring Jesus to them,” Bishop Daniel stated.
Afterward, a plenary talk commenced at the SLU-LES, where the delegates arrived in high spirits. The esteemed speaker, Nueva Segovia Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Bryan H. Garibay, inspired the participants with the reflection “Finding the silver lining in the empty tomb.” He encouraged the audience to regain spiritual and emotional strength and be motivated to endure every hardship in life.
“Hope provides us a silver lining in our lives. Na kahit gaano kadami ang pagsubok at pasakit sa buhay, nananatili tayong may pag-asa. Kasi alam natin na sa likod ng lahat ng problema, sa likod ng lahat ng pagsubok, may liwanag,” Fr. Garibay expressed. (Hope provides us a silver lining in our lives. That no matter how many trials and pains there are in life, we remain hopeful. Because we know that behind all the problems, behind all the trials, there is light.)
The participants also shared their takeaways and stories on the topic, showing the talk’s impact on them.
Executive Assistant to the SLU President, Prof. Joselito Gutierrez, PhD, welcomed the attendees in the city and at SLU. On behalf of the President, he expressed his utmost gratitude to the committee for entrusting the University with the venue and allowing 20 youth ministers to stay at the SLU Men’s dorm.
The RCYM is until 26 April 2025, encompassing different activities such as a Cultural Night, talk shows, group prayers, and many more. This faithful gathering for the youths has provided a time for reflection and recollection while building strong relationships within the community.
By co-hosting in this conference and supporting religious practices, SLU reaffirmed its values as a Catholic institution. Furthermore, it also attests to SLU’s commitment to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 3 (Good health and well-being), 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). (Article by Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Intern | Photos by Michael John Dadd, UIO Intern)
