26/01/2026
Continuing the journey of the AYG Pilgrim Cross in Legazpi City, Janelle Peca shares how her growth in the Redemptorist Youth Ministry connects deeply with the meaning of the Pilgrim Cross and this yearโs AYG theme.
Sharing by Janelle Peca
โGrowth begins at the edge of our comfort zone.โ
This quote captures my journey as a member of the Redemptorist Youth Ministry. When I first joined the RYM, I stayed well within my comfort zone. I began as a member of the Lectors and Commentators, quietly serving but remaining distant. For a long time, I was an inactive memberโnot because I lacked love for the ministry, but because I was shy and unsure. I thought I would struggle to socialize and that I would not truly belong among the other RYM members who seemed more outgoing than me.
Yet, God gently calls us beyond where we are comfortable. Slowly, I began stepping forwardโjoining fellowship nights, helping in activities, and even hosting some events. These small โyesesโ became turning points. In serving, I found joy; in leading, I found purpose. This journey led me to become part of the youth leaders, and today, I am blessed to serve as the head of the Human Committee in Redemptorist Tacloban while also being a part of the Lectors and the Redemptorist Media Ministry. Through the RYM, I realized that leadership is not about confidence alone, but about allowing God to work through our willingness.
The RYM taught me the value of togetherness and genuine friendship. What started in Tacloban grew into connections with fellow youth from different parts of the Philippinesโconnections I now experience even here in Legazpi. Being part of this wider Redemptorist youth family made me feel that wherever faith is shared, home is found.
This journey also brought me to places I never imagined I would go. I was able to travel, to attend meaningful formations like the Youth Encounter Seminar Workshop in Cebu, and now to witness and participate in the passing of the Alphonsian Youth Gathering Pilgrim Cross here in Legazpi. The Pilgrim Cross is a powerful reminder of our missionโit calls us to carry Christ beyond ourselves, to places unknown, and to people we have yet to meet.
In many ways, the Pilgrim Cross mirrors my own journey in the RYM. As a youth, I was first empoweredโby community, friendship, and faithโand then sentโto serve and to lead. This is what this yearโs theme, โYouth. Empowered. Sent.โ, truly means to me. We are empowered not because we are perfect, but because God chooses to work through our fears and limitations. And we are sent not only to go far, but to go deeper in love, and in faith.
Looking back, I am grateful that I dared to step beyond my comfort zone. โGrowth begins at the edge of our comfort zone.โ The Redemptorist Youth Ministry taught me that when we allow ourselves to be empowered by God and by community, we are always sent to become more than who we once were. To those who feel shy, uncertain, or afraidโthis ministry is for you. Take that step. Carry the Cross. Allow yourself to be empowered and be sent to touch the lives of others. May this sharing inspire us all to join and continue being members the RYM.
