Caceres youth called to mission at 22nd Children and Youth Mission Festival
By Jonnah Abellano
CANAMAN, CAMARINES SUR — “Dear children, dear young people, we are, and we can be, missionaries,” said Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, as he called on young people to share Christ’s love during the 22nd Children and Youth Mission Festival (CYMF) on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
A total of 1,185 participants representing 18 schools and 25 parishes across the Archdiocese of Caceres gathered at the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) Gymnasium in Canaman, Camarines Sur, to celebrate the festival alongside the 100th World Mission Sunday.
With the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” the day-long event was organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres Office for Mission and Evangelization to bring young people together through prayer, creative expression, friendly competition, and spiritual fellowship. In his homily, Archbishop Alarcon emphasized that Christ’s mission is rooted in the Father’s love and His desire to bring humanity back to Him.
“The Father sent him, sent his son on a mission, so that we can return to the Father. God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to redeem the world,” Alarcon said. He reminded the young participants that every person is important and loved by God, encouraging them to recognize this love in their own lives and in their relationships with others.
“Each one of you is important. Each one of you is loved by the Father. I also love you, and you are loved by the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Alarcon also urged the youth to nurture their ability to dream and to place Christ at the center of their aspirations. “Don’t lose the capacity to dream. The best thing for a child is the ability to dream, to dream with Jesus,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fr. Gerome N. Pelagio, mission director of the Archdiocese of Caceres, underscored the importance of mission in the life and growth of the Church.
“It is said that mission is the mother of the Church. After Jesus gave His life, the apostles spent their lives proclaiming the Good News. The Good News is none other than that Jesus came, died, and rose again to save us all. Through mission, the Church was given birth and is sustained,” Pelagio said.
The festival opened with participant registration, photo opportunities, and animation routines. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mrs. Ofelia B. Manalo, coordinator for Caceres Lay Missionaries, followed by the presentation of delegates and an orientation led by CYMF 2026 coordinator Mrs. Maridesa D. Pillos.
The morning’s main highlight was the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Alarcon. Before the final blessing, MPCF Canaman President Dr. Marilissa Jimenez-Ampuan welcomed the participants.
After the Eucharistic celebration and a brief break, delegates took part in a workshop reflecting on the Archbishop’s message, along with talent showcases and animation routines. The morning program concluded with a magic show.
In the afternoon, participants competed in various activities that showcased their faith, creativity, and talents. The competitions included a Quiz Bee, Poster Making, Slogan Making, Prayer Writing, and Tigsik, a traditional Bikolano form of rhyming verse.
The festival culminated in the awarding of winners in the different competition categories. Participants then gathered for a communal recitation of the Holy Rosary and the final blessing before departing.
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