Aubrey Mae C. de Leon

About the Author

Aubrey Mae C. de Leon is a passionate educator, writer, and youth leader from Panglao, Bohol. From her years as a campus journalist to contributing to major local publications, she continues to tell stories that uplift culture, faith, and identity. Her leadership journey spans campus governance, parish ministries, youth formation, and community service—grounding her in a life of meaningful involvement. Now a Licensed Professional Teacher, she remains committed to shaping young minds and building a generation of learners rooted in values, excellence, and hope.

Pilgrims of Hope: The Youth’s Jubilee Journey at DYD 2025

by Aubrey Mae C. de Leon

In the days leading to Diocesan Youth Day 2025, Typhoon Wilma threatened to undo everything. Months of preparation trembled as venues shifted, schedules changed, and committees prayed harder than they planned. Every update carried uncertainty. For a moment, it seemed possible that DYD 2025—meant to mark the Jubilee of Hope for the Youth—might not happen at all.

Yet on December 6, something extraordinary unfolded. Despite the looming storm, more than 2,200 young pilgrims of hope arrived—by bus, tricycle, maxim rides, parish vehicles, or whatever ride they could find. The celebration that nearly didn’t push through suddenly felt like a miracle stitched together by courage. “Bugsay sa Pagtuo, Layag sa Paglaum” was no longer just the theme. It became the heartbeat of every step, every prayer, every pilgrim who showed up in faith.

The opening Mass and the official declaration of DYD 2025 grounded everyone in purpose. As the program unfolded, the voices that followed drew the community deeper into the encounter.
Ms. Cherry Camille Depano, the beloved “hugot queen,” delivered a Keynote Address that felt like a gentle earthquake—raw enough to expose wounds, soft enough to begin healing them. In the Story of Hope, Ms. Maricel Apatan stirred quiet tears, reminding the youth that brokenness can become a mission. During Pakighinabi: Straight from the Heart, Bro. Kyle Baldwin Cruz, OP, LPT created a space where even unspoken questions finally found room to breathe. The Prayer of Healing that followed wrapped the entire venue in sacred silence—a silence warm enough to feel like grace settling on tired hearts. Even the Pilgrim Walk—done under skies threatening rain—became a living parable for the Jubilee of Hope. It reminded everyone that faith is not a journey under clear skies but one that presses on through uncertainty.

And through all of this, one cry rose above everything else: “Christ is Alive, We Are Alive!” It echoed across halls, swelled through transitions, and flashed in tired but joyful smiles. That battle cry didn’t just energize the venue—it united everyone, stitching 2,200 hearts into one hopeful community. It carried the youth through exhaustion, long lines, and unexpected challenges.

By nightfall, the fire only grew stronger. The Vocation Festival with Fr. Sam Leidel, Sr. Jovita Cendaña, SSPS, and journalists Raffy Tima and Mariz Umali stirred a deeper longing for purpose. Sip and Share with Ms. KC Redulla, RGC, Fr. Herbert Deluao, and Mr. and Mrs. Jose Pabalan III transformed strangers into companions as stories—light, painful, joyful—were exchanged. In addition, the night also opened into Sadya Hudyaka, where laughter, dance, and song filled the air like prayer in motion. When lanterns lit the Grand Taizé Prayer, the entire venue seemed to breathe as one—still, glowing, sacred. Confessions that followed felt like quiet liberation. Then came the 3 AM adoration, where drowsy bodies knelt with restless hearts and found peace. By 4 AM, praise and worship lifted weary limbs and rekindled joy.

And yes—through the tight space, the long CR lines, the rain showers, and countless small discomforts—the youth chose gratitude. They received each inconvenience as grace, reminders that faith grows not in comfort but in shared sacrifice. Every cramped corner, every long wait, every drop of rain became a testament to God’s goodness.

As the sun rose, the Send-off Mass gathered everyone once more—tired, hungry, sleepless, but undeniably transformed. The Mission Sending and Candle Lighting ceremony felt like God handing over the oars: the boat was ready, the sea was wide, and the young pilgrims of hope were prepared to sail out and proclaim His love. They stepped out changed—by tears, laughter, prayer, friendship, and a grace that carried them from start to finish.

In the end, the storm didn’t stop DYD 2025. It revealed its soul. Every last-minute shift, every fear, every whispered prayer became part of a story only God could write. DYD 2025 wasn’t perfect—but because it survived the storm, it became a blessing.

God did not calm the waves. He guided the boat. And it arrived carrying 2,200 young Pilgrims of Hope, hearts beating with one cry: “Christ is Alive, We Are Alive!”