KYCS PILGRIMAGE 2025
On the 5th of 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 7 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.
SJIS YCS Committee,
Claire Chew
Testimonies:
In the pilgrimage, what we did was group discussion, and we learnt about YCS and how it was found and Holy Mass. Nothing was too challenging for me but I think it was commentating since it was my first time and I was a little nervous. I enjoyed the group discussion as I made a lot of friends along the way. I think the bus trip was the most memorable because of the unexpected delay and the music playing with everyone having fun. In all of these moments, I experienced God 😄
– Ava Khoo, SJIS
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
During this programme, I had a great time meeting new people. One part that was challenging to me was that most of them speak malay. Although I do speak a bit of malay, I still find it quite hard to understand what they’re trying to say. However, we still communicated quite well. My most memorable moment during this trip was definitely the bus breaking down and feeding the dog my chicken since I couldn’t finish it.
– Then Shann Yun, SJIS
During the pilgrimage, we had group discussions about YCS, joined Holy Mass, and met new friends. Some community services were canceled due to rain and the chapel being used, but I learnt that God is present even when plans change. The little activities created by the students like playing volleyball in the carpark, singing and laughing on the bus, and Matthias playing his instrument made the trip so much more lively and unforgettable. On the way back, our bus overheated. We were supposed to be on another bus, but ended up on this one. However, that moment turned into a blessing. We spent 30 minutes by the highway laughing, playing, and enjoying nature. I felt God made this happen to show us happiness and make unforgettable memories in unexpected ways.
– Aaron Yong, SJIS
During the pilgrimage we learn about “See, Judge, Act” by Brother Ralph and during this trip i had the chance to get out of my comfort zone especially when i was emcee. Some memorable moments were when my teacher and some students were racing at SMK Penrissen and it was quite fun and when I was climbing up the stairs as fast as possible because I was late. Another memorable moment was when our bus engine overheated and we had alot of fun playing with sticks and stones while outside I learned that the boys liked minecraft.
– Shaw Lim, 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
Attached below are;
2025 KYCS Pilgrimage Photo Album