KYCS Pilgrimage 2025

By Claire Chew, SJIS YCS Committee

KUCHING — On 5 September 2025, Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC), in collaboration with St Joseph’s International School (SJIS), organised the Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) Pilgrimage with the theme: “We are Pilgrims of Hope”. This once in a blue moon event was participated by 130 pilgrims, all part of the Young Christian Students (YCS) movement. These pilgrims were composed of 100 students/youth and 24 teachers/animators from seven different schools, namely:

• SMK St Teresa

• St Joseph’s Private Secondary School

• St Joseph’s International School

• SMK Penrissen No. 1

• SMK Batu Kawa

• SMK Serian

• SMK Green Road

The journey began with prayer at the St Joseph’s Cathedral before buses rolled out, picking up students from SMK Penrissen and SMK Serian along the way. Onboard, chatter, songs and laughter mingled with quiet anticipation. By the time we arrived at Mount Hosanna Church in Simanggang, rain was falling steadily — yet our spirits were high. We persevered through the weather, while being reminded that a pilgrim’s road is sometimes challenging, yet always graced.

Mr Ralph Balan, a YCS alumnus, gave us an engaging session that opened our eyes to the variety of YCS activities in different schools. Students shared what their YCS groups did in their schools and listened attentively to others — discovering new ideas and realizing that they are part of a larger movement of faith-filled young people.

After the session, students enjoyed a simple meal and bonded with each other even more through conversations. The sight of a small group of students from different schools  playing volleyball, laughing and playing together was a beautiful expression of community — bonding not just through prayer but also through friendship and fun. Later, everyone regrouped for deeper sharing. Mixed-school groups discussed their YCS experiences and learned more about one another’s challenges and joys in living out the YCS spirit (See, Judge, Act).

The highlight of the pilgrimage was the Holy Mass, where we were reminded: “Once a Young Christian Student, forever a Young Christian Student.” It was a powerful affirmation of identity and mission. Before leaving, heartfelt appreciation was expressed to the teachers, animators, speaker Mr Ralph Balan, and especially Mt Hosanna’s Church community for their warm welcome and support that made this event possible. The return journey to St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Gallery was filled with laughter and conversations. One of the buses even had music from a student playing the harmonica — a gentle reminder that God’s presence can be felt in many ways.

More than just a trip, this pilgrimage helped students to bond with God and with each other. It was a powerful time of mutual growth and spiritual enrichment, reminding every pilgrim that they are part of something much bigger—a vibrant, hopeful community of young Christian Students, journeying together in faith, hope, and love. We hope that this event inspired hope and strengthened the bonds among Young Christian Students throughout the Archdiocese of Kuching, and look forward to more opportunities like this to journey together, grow in faith and friendship, and continue being pilgrims of hope in our daily lives.

Feedback from participants

“The pilgrimage reminded me that God is always present in small moments. The bus trip was definitely the most memorable because even though there were delays, we still had fun together. It gave me hope that challenges can be turned into joy.” – Liaw Yixin, SJIS

“The pilgrimage was a very fun experience, it was quite memorable when the bus broke down and we were stranded but that hasn’t made me forget about the purpose of the pilgrimage. It was fun to interact with students from other schools and connect with them throughout YCS.” – Gabriel Lee, SJIS