By Remee Vargas
Youth Day @ SFARCH 2025 was a powerful and grace-filled night of worship, movement, stillness, and encounter. What took place was more than a program. It was a moment where faith became real, where young people encountered Christ in one another, and where the Church revealed itself as alive, welcoming, and filled with Christ’s presence.
This gathering was made possible through the collaboration of communities and ministries across the Archdiocese of San Francisco (parishes, schools, leaders, volunteers, and local Catholic-owned businesses) along with the generous support of the Archbishop’s Circle, whose grant helped make the event possible. Together, they helped create the environment in which the Holy Spirit freely moved among the youth of the Church.
Music That Carried the Night
From the opening worship to the final moments of Taizé prayer, the Holy-Spirit-assembled band members Chris Mariano, Jacob Tolentino, Joey Gutierrez, Raychelle Castillo, Giselle Castillo, Jennie Malibiran, and Benedict Mariano became the thread of grace that wove the evening together. They lifted praise, deepened prayer, and shaped every moment that followed, moving the community from spirited energy to reverent stillness.
Voices That Stirred the Heart
As emcee, Rhyan “BroRhy” Ramirez brought a steady, grounded presence that helped the evening unfold with warmth and purpose. His joy and rhythm gave everyone space to connect, reflect, and breathe in the Spirit.
The night’s speakers offered messages that resonated deeply:
- Fr. Agustino Torres called the community to live the Gospel with courage and authenticity, reminding us that “our encounter with Christ is not just for us — it’s so we can bring Jesus to others”.
- BroRhy came back with an invitation to create space for reflection, connection and transformation.
- Before Fr Greg Boyle spoke, he was joined by Homeboy Industries alumnae, Claudia and George, who offered moving testimonies of compassion and kinship. Together with their testimonies, Fr Greg emphasized that “the Church is not a place we go to — it’s where we are sent from”.
A Night That Moved — Body and Spirit
The evening reached a vibrant crescendo with a concert featuring Joe Melendrez and Hannah Graziadei, filling the auditorium with sound, light and movement. It was raw and energetic — holy chaos in motion — calling everyone to rise, respond and live their faith out loud.
As the night shifted, a candlelight procession led the community from the auditorium to the Church, creating a stunning transition from movement to stillness.
The Presence of the Saints
Relics of the saints, including recently canonized millennial Saint Carlo Acutis, were present from the very beginning of the night and available for veneration by attendees. Placed on the altar during the Litany of the Saints, their presence reminded us that we never worship or walk alone. The Saints intercede, accompany and rejoice with us.
Taizé Prayer and Sacred Stillness
The Taizé prayer that followed invited everyone into stillness — a sacred pause after the energy and movement of the night. In candlelight and song, hearts found rest. The repetitive chants, gentle harmonies, and quiet space for reflection offered a new kind of encounter — a quiet, active listening for God’s presence stirring in the silence. It was not a moment of outward expression, but of deep listening and prayerful reflection.
Together, the Litany of the Saints and the Taizé prayer became two sides of an encounter: the veil of heaven with the saints and the quiet intimacy of God within.
Encounter at the Cross and with the Relics
At the end of the night, attendees were invited to venerate the Cross — a personal moment to meet Christ, lay down burdens, offer praise, and give thanks. Many venerated the relics, touching devotional items to the reliquaries to create third-class relics to carry home — tangible reminders of the saints’ intercession and companionship.
Thank you
Youth Day was a true collaboration of faith in action. Our young people, young adults, chaperones, and families came and trusted that Youth Day would be a space to encounter their faith in a way they could bring into the world.
So, how do we thank all who made it possible: volunteers, staff, clergy, religious, speakers, musicians, local, Catholic-owned businesses, parish & school communities, archdiocese ministries, supporters, and the Archbishop’s Circle?
By saying this: You made hope happen here.
You helped create a space where young people encountered Christ, experience authentic community, and feel the Holy Spirit moving in their lives.
Remee Vargas the youth and young adult coordinator for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
