Panaw sa Diwa ni Kiko: A 4K Pilgrimage Begins in La Purisima Vicariate

TAGAKPAN — The youth of the La Purisima Vicariate officially began a new journey of faith and fraternity through Panaw sa Diwa ni Kiko: A 4K Pilgrimage, launched during the Pontifical Mass celebrating the 27th Parochial Fiesta of San Francisco de Asis Parish in Tagakpan.

The pilgrimage continues the journey of Lakbay-Laum, undertaken by the youth in 2025 in response to the call of Pope Francis in Spes Non Confundit to become Pilgrims of Hope. This year, the journey takes inspiration from the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, inviting young people to encounter Christ more deeply, live in fraternity, serve the least, and care for our common home.

The initiative also comes as the Church commemorates in 2026 the 800th anniversary of the Transitus, or passing from earthly life to eternal life, of St. Francis of Assisi. Through Panaw sa Diwa ni Kiko, the youth are invited not only to learn about the saint, but to allow his spirituality to shape the way they live, serve, and journey as young disciples of Christ.

Present during the launching were the youth core groups from the five parishes of the La Purisima Vicariate. What was initially envisioned as another youth activity became, in the words of the launching rite, “a vicariate-wide youth formation journey,” a shared pilgrimage that would bring the young people and their communities closer together.

One of the most significant moments of the launching came when the commentator proclaimed that the pilgrimage was not simply a parish activity, but a journey of formation shared by the youth of the entire vicariate. As the words were proclaimed, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles looked toward the young people and responded with an affirmative smile. Before giving his blessing, Archbishop Valles offered words of affirmation and encouragement to the youth. He reminded them that even though they were only beginning the journey, St. Francis was already with them. The Archbishop challenged the young people to continue the pilgrimage with faith and to allow the spirituality of St. Francis to dwell in their hearts as they journey together. His words became a meaningful affirmation that the youth were not walking alone, but were being accompanied by the Church and by one another.

A significant expression of support also came from Rev. Fr. Mario B. Holmina, OSJ, parish priest of San Francisco de Asis Parish, who generously allowed the youth of the vicariate to borrow the statue of San Francisco de Asis from the parish retablo to serve as the official Pilgrim Image for the journey. The gesture became a powerful sign of trust and support from one of the parish priests of the vicariate. By entrusting the image to the youth, the parish community of San Francisco de Asis became an important part of the pilgrimage and entrusted to the young people a visible reminder of the saint whose life they are seeking to rediscover.

Following the fellowship meal, Rev. Fr. Euricho Raphael Maralit, OSJ, parochial vicar of San Francisco de Asis Parish, led the send-off rite for the Pilgrim Image. The image was formally sent forth by the youth core group of San Francisco de Asis Parish and endorsed to the youth core group of Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal, the first host parish of the pilgrimage.

From parish to parish, the Pilgrim Image will remain in each host community for seven days or more, allowing the parish community, especially the youth, to gather in prayer, formation, reflection, and fellowship. A formation guide on the life and spirituality of St. Francis will accompany the pilgrimage and may be adapted by each receiving parish according to its pastoral context and schedule.

More than a pilgrimage of an image, Panaw sa Diwa ni Kiko is envisioned as a pilgrimage of people and communities. It seeks to foster a synodal way of being Church: listening to one another, accompanying one another, walking together, and responding together to God’s call.

As the journey begins, the youth of La Purisima Vicariate carry with them the challenge to live the simplicity, fraternity, service, and hope exemplified by St. Francis of Assisi (the 4K Pilgrimage: Kalinaw, Kakabus, Kamapaubsanon, ug Kama-amumahon sa Kinaiyahan). With the support of our priests, parish communities, and one another, we continue the journey of faith that began with Lakbay-Laum, trusting that every step can become an opportunity to encounter Christ and rediscover what it means to be a young Church on mission.

The youth of La Purisima Vicariate express their heartfelt gratitude to the priests and parish communities who continue to support, accompany, and trust the young people in their journey. Their encouragement and generosity inspire the youth to continue serving the Church and walking together in faith.

The journey has begun. And as Archbishop Valles reminded the young people, St. Francis is already with them. Panaw sa Diwa ni Kiko continues. (Roy Felix Abrio | La Purisima Vicariate Youth Coordinator)