CALBAYOG City— A Catholic bishop urged young Filipinos to embrace surrender to God as the path to lasting fruitfulness rather than worldly success.
Speaking at the closing Mass of Regional Youth Day 2026, Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. of San Pablo said the youth should ground their mission in surrender instead of recognition or achievement.
“Learning to surrender to God is the only guarantee of fruitfulness, not success,” said Maralit, head of the bishops’ youth commission, addressing youth ministers and delegates.
He said weariness in ministry should not discourage service but may signal sincere commitment and deeper dedication to Christ amid growing pastoral demands.
Maralit acknowledged feeling drained by expanding responsibilities, noting that diligence in ministry often leads to heavier workloads and emotional strain for clergy.
He added stress and fatigue affects clergy across generations, with even younger priests experiencing burnout in an increasingly demanding Church environment.
The bishop said a turning point came during the gathering’s evening celebration, when participants’ energy and creativity moved him deeply.
He recalled being brought to tears as young pilgrims rejoiced despite long processions and physical exhaustion earlier in the day.
Their witness, he said, rekindled memories of youthful faith and revealed Christ’s presence through perseverance, joy and shared mission.
Maralit linked the experience to the Gospel, describing peace arriving unexpectedly and renewing his spirit despite lingering pastoral exhaustion.
“The sign that you do God’s work is when you get tired,” he said. “You may grow tired, but do not give up.”
He urged Church leaders to view the gathering as the beginning of mission, assuring young people of the Church’s pride in them.
Hosted by the Diocese of Calbayog, the four-day event gathered pilgrims from Central and Eastern Visayas under the theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
After the Mass, organizers announced that the next Regional Youth Day will be held in 2029 in the Diocese of Talibon.
