The Hawaii contingent included high school students, young adults, chaperones, seminarians and priests from across the diocese. (Courtesy Lisa Gomes)
By Lisa Gomes, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Special to the Herald
Our pilgrimage to Long Beach, California, for the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 14-16 may be over, but our journey of faith continues — and for some attendees, it might just be the beginning.
This year’s NCYC theme, “El Camino: The Way,” inspired by Isaiah 30:18-21, called us to embrace a journey of faith and trust in God’s guidance. Ninety-seven pilgrims from the Diocese of Honolulu, representing 10 parishes and one Catholic high school, were among the more than 3,200 participants at the three-day conference.
Of the Hawaii attendees, 77 were young people under the age of 35 — 43 were high school youth.
Our diocesan delegation was deeply engaged, not only in attending the conference but also in serving. Youth from the Kula Catholic Community on Maui and Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa volunteered as youth ambassadors, exemplifying servant leadership.
Bishop Larry Silva accompanied our delegation and played a visible role throughout the event. On Nov. 16, Bishop Silva led morning prayer, which was an abbreviated Way of the Cross. It was an emotional moment for many of the attendees.
Dominick Guiwa, a high school student from St. Anthony Church in Wailuku, Maui, served as a youth witness speaker. He courageously shared his personal story of being “halfway with Jesus” and how an invitation from his priest, Father Ese’ese “Ace” Tui, to attend adoration transformed his faith.
The Diocese of Honolulu was well-represented throughout the conference. Nellani Tabada, a young adult from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pearl City, made her debut as a speaker, leading a workshop for youth on responding to God’s call to follow him and inviting others to do the same.
Meldge Ponce, a senior at St. Anthony School in Wailuku, introduced Bishop Silva to the attendees and was met with a resounding “chee-hoo” from our delegation.
Precious Algoso, a freshman who is a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows, proclaimed the Scripture passage during the Nov. 16 morning prayer.
Reflections from participants capture the transformative power of this pilgrimage:
Dan Canaveral, youth from St. Joseph Church, Makawao:
“While at NCYC, I learned that God has a plan for each and every one of us. In a session I attended entitled ‘How to Discern Your Vocation with Confidence,’ the speaker shared his story: He was preparing to be ordained as a priest, but God called him to the married life instead. It reminded me that we should never be afraid to be open to God’s mission for us—whether it’s the priesthood, the diaconate or marriage. I’ve learned to surrender everything to God, trust in his plan and remain faithful and obedient to his promises.
“The best part for me was adoration. I remembered all my sins and couldn’t help but cry. I felt Jesus speaking to me, forgiving my sins and welcoming me with open arms even though I am a sinner. His love for me changed me deeply. Now, I want a strong and unbreakable bond with Jesus because he knows what’s best for us. We just have to trust and be obedient as he reveals his plan for our lives.”
Fatima Herrera, youth from St. Theresa Church in Kihei, Maui:
“I came to NCYC to explore my faith further than I had before. My favorite part of the journey was meeting people from all over the nation. … If you want to have a life-changing encounter with Christ, then NCYC is for you! It’s really an experience to remember and share.”
Lina Falekaono, youth from St. Theresa Church in Kihei:
“The reason why I wanted to go to NCYC is because I thought it was a great opportunity to build a stronger connection with God and to experience what it’s like. The whole weekend was amazing, but the evening of adoration was what really spoke to me. Listening to, and witnessing, thousands of teens praising God was amazing!”
Falekaono also read one of the prayer intentions at the closing Mass in Tongan, adding to the cultural and spiritual depth of her NCYC experience.
Deacon Larry Denis III, seminarian:
“While I cherished every moment of NCYC, my first experience — the second night’s general session — left a lasting impression on my heart. Dominick, a junior from St. Anthony High School, shared a profound testimony about the impact of adoration on his life. I, too, have a deep devotion to adoration, so I found the adoration that followed his talk particularly moving.
“As adoration began, I witnessed a remarkable scene: teenagers swarming toward the center of the room from all directions, seeking to draw nearer to Jesus. They gathered and knelt in the aisles leading to the center stage and remained there throughout the hour of adoration, with more teens joining them.
“Seeing the vibrant faith of the young church serves as a powerful testimony for me and my vocation to the priesthood. My prayer is that they continue to stay close to Jesus and the practice of adoration.”
Greg Harris, chaperone:
“NCYC was a very powerful experience for me as a chaperone. Having the opportunity and privilege to see the youth’s genuine desire to grow closer to our Lord was truly amazing. During our nightly reflections, I had the chance to really understand who they are and what they desire from God. I saw young men come to understand the depth and weight of our sins — but also realize that those things don’t hold us back because God’s love is greater than anything we could do.”
Udie Algoso, coordinator of youth ministry at Our Lady of Sorrows:
“Witnessing so many young people engaged and excited about learning and living their faith is truly inspiring. As a youth minister, it gives me hope to see our faith alive and strong in so many young people. … I am not only called to rise but also to accompany and help lift our young people.”
Kimberly Barit, high school junior and a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows:
“I came to NCYC because I have gone for the past two years, and it’s an amazing thing to experience. Spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was my favorite part of the weekend. It’s so beautiful to see everyone praying and singing in the presence of Jesus together. Being at adoration makes me so emotional, and I always look forward to it.
“ ‘Speed bumps don’t mean stop’ (Thomas Lyons) — this (quote) stood out to me because I tend to give up when things get too hard. It motivates me to keep moving forward when times are tough. Another speaker reminded us that ‘Jesus had to go through struggles, so why wouldn’t we?’ This teaches me that, no matter what, we all face struggles just as Jesus did.
“I’d encourage any young person to attend NCYC — it’s a beautiful opportunity to grow in faith, learn more about our relationship with God, and witness so many young people praising God together.”
Preston-Jay Castro, seminarian preparing for ordination to the transitional diaconate on Dec. 14:
“After reflecting on my experience this past week, one key event that renewed my love for Jesus was actually helping out at the confessional (it also helped that Jesus was exposed in the Blessed Sacrament right next door). Seeing all the priests hearing confessions and giving absolution was a ‘wake-up call’ about my upcoming ordination. At one point, I teared up while guiding others to confession because it made me realize, ‘I will be a priest soon and hear confession just like these priests.’
“This NCYC has truly renewed my heart and love for Jesus and for my ordination, which is less than a month away. I hope and pray Jesus will allow me to return to NCYC as a priest and hear confessions, whether at the next one in Indianapolis or elsewhere.”
The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis thanks Mary Jean Bega for assisting with event coordination; seminarians Taylor Mitchell, Preston Castro and Deacon Larry Denis III for volunteering and serving as witnesses to our young people; to our priests, Father Ace Tui and Father Anton Nyo; and all parents and adult chaperones for their support and accompaniment. A special mahalo to Bishop Silva for his time, commitment and love for our young people, which made this pilgrimage unforgettable.
We invite all to consider joining us for the next National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is scheduled for Nov. 20-22, 2025.
For more information, visit www.catholichawaii.org/oyyam/ym/ncyc.
Lisa Gomes is director of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
