Lakbay-Laum: The Youth as the Beacon of Hope in the Jubilee Year

“Let us draw close to the young, for they are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world!” (Spes non Confundit, 12).

This message serves as a powerful reminder from Pope Francis—an invitation to see the youth as a source of hope and to nurture their faith. Inspired by this, the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) launched Lakbay-Laum, a prayer program dedicated to helping young people celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope through prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage.

A Journey of Faith and Hope

The Lakbay-Laum Prayer Program was officially launched on February 8, 2025, at the Virgen Dolorosa Parish (VDP), Babak, led by the DAYCA Core Group in collaboration with the Immaculate Conception Vicariate. The event gathered Parish Youth Coordinators, together with their Worship and Formation Ministry Heads, uniting them in a shared mission of faith and renewal.

A significant highlight of the launching was the official declaration of St. John Paul II as the Patron Saint of DAYCA, marked by the blessing of his image during the Holy Mass. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. George “Jing” Garcia, SVD, Assistant Parish Priest of VDP, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Mark Kim Samones, DAYCA Director.

Adding to the spiritual significance of the event was the unveiling of “Lakbay-Laum,” the official theme song of the prayer program. This musical piece, an initiative of the DAYCA Music Ministry led by Bernard S. Sabello, Jr., was composed by Errol James Santos, Rikka Babes A. Estoque, Trisha Mae C. Barol, and Jomar Jice Gatab. It was performed by Trisha Mae C. Barol, Jomar Jice Gatab, Vincent A. Ayuba, Yancy J. Abi-abi, Jason I. Santiago, Bernard S. Sabello Jr., and Eugene Lacida—a harmonious expression of faith and hope through music.

From a Simple Idea to a Movement of Faith

What began as a simple concept in 2023, during a bus ride to Samal, has now become a movement of prayer and pilgrimage. It was during this journey that Errol James Santos and Kristine Paula Saquin (DAYCA Worship Ministry Head and Assistant Head, respectively) envisioned a program that would allow each vicariate to participate in a meaningful spiritual journey. Their idea was to tailor the prayer pilgrimage to the needs and capacities of each parish and vicariate, making it an inclusive and enriching experience for all.

A Call to Be Bearers of Hope

In his message, Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, reminded the youth that Lakbay-Laum is more than just a program—it is an invitation to renewal. He encouraged them to reflect on their purpose, strengthen their faith, and deepen their relationship with God and one another.

As the Jubilee Year of Hope unfolds, Lakbay-Laum aspires to transform the youth of the Archdiocese into true pilgrims of hope—ready to bring light to the world. In the spirit of this mission, the youth are not only participants in the journey of faith but beacons of hope for the Church and society.

With every step they take, every prayer they offer, and every song they sing, the youth of Lakbay-Laum embody the very essence of the Jubilee Year of Hope—hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). (Errol James E. Santos)