The Apostle of the Youth Prayer Movement begins in the Philippines, a Revival of the of the Hrvatsko Orlovstvo
SOLEMN OATH TAKING OF THE APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE OF THE COORDINATOR
The ceremony began when the presider, Rev. Fr. Christu Das Joseph, O.P., called the newly-appointed members of the Office of the Coordinator to approach the Cross. They then made their pledge, professed the Faith, and made an Oath of Fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church.
Afterwards, led by the Corporate President, Dr. Dave Ceasar F. Dela Cruz, O.P., they pronounced the Pledge of the Office, promising before Almighty God to fulfill their responsibilities conscientiously, remain loyal to the Church and to the AYPM, and work always for the glory of God. Then, the Corporate President, representing the Canonical Founder, confirmed them as the inaugural Office of the Coordinator of the AYPM under the Blessed Ivan Merz Family. Next, they knelt before the Tabernacle as they become the first to receive the symbols of the movement: The Handbook and Golden Book, the spiritual and organizational guide entrusted to every leader of the Movement; the Crucifix, bearing the Croatian Cross, the Holy Name of Jesus, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and Blessed Ivan, to be used in the ministry of prayer and deliverance; and the Emblem of the AYPM, fastened to their chest as the visible sign and reminder of their mission. Finally, the priest invoked God’s blessing, asking that they be granted wisdom in governance, humility in service, courage in trials, and perseverance in duties for Christ and His Church.
In a letter dated 30 October 2025, Bishop-emeritus Komarica extended his paternal affection, imparted his blessing on the Apostle of the Youth Prayer Movement (AYPM), the Filipino revival of the Hrvatsko Orlovstvo established in 1923, and called upon his brother bishops in the Philippines to promote it. In the same blessing, he confirmed its first Coordinating Office: Coordinator: David Neil Joseph V. Lumba; Deputy Coordinator for Membership: Celsius F. Celzo, O.P.; and Deputy Coordinator for Records & Correspondence: Julia Cassandra M. Altea.
On October 31, 2025, during the Solemn Vespers of the Solemnity of All Saints, the officers made their Solemn Oath of Office before the Holy Cross and the gathered community. Following this, on November 16, 2025, the inaugural members were commissioned. These events are fruits of the formal confirmation of the Movement as an apostolate of the Blessed Ivan Merz Family, which is under the protection of the Diocese of Banja Luka, the birthplace of Blessed Ivan Merz.
The rites were based on the original Handbook of the Catholic Eagles, to which Blessed Ivan Merz himself contributed and various academic work. Likewise, the Golden Book used in the ceremony was translated and adapted from the original Croatian text. This Golden Book, together with the AYPM Handbook, now serve as the movement’s rule of life and daily companion.
SOLEMN ADMISSION AND COMMISSIONING OF INAUGURAL MEMBERS
On November 16, 2025 (instead of the original date of November 9, because the island was severely hit by a typhoon), the Apostle of the Youth Prayer Movement celebrated the Rite of Solemn Admission and Commissioning of the inaugural members. This day marked the official beginning of the Movement’s public mission in the Philippines: the formation of youth apostles of prayer, modeled on the spirituality of Blessed Ivan Merz and the original Croatian Orlovstvo of 1923.
Before the day of admission, candidates prepared themselves through sacramentals and devotions (ecclesiastically approved in 2023): the Cincture in Honor of Blessed Ivan Merz, the Chaplet of Blessed Ivan Merz (32 Glory Be’s), and A Prayer of Discernment, invoking St. Thérèse and Blessed Ivan for clarity of vocation. The members also underwent a two-day recollection entitled “Plamen Za Visinama”, patterned after Blessed Ivan’s book.
These practices ensured that each candidate approached the rite with purity of intention and a heart disposed to grace. Before the altar and the Holy Cross, the applicants were called by name. Standing before God and the community, they raised their hands and pronounced the Solemn Oath (adapted from the Orlovstvo Manual) With their hands placed over their hearts, each new member recited: “I… solemnly promise that as long as I am a member of the AYPM, I will everywhere and always be a true member in work and in life… a fearless and true Catholic, defender of the faith and of my people… Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperat.” The Coordinator then confirmed the candidates as full members of the AYPM and led them in the Oath of Membership into the Cause for the Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz, Inc., the spiritual family overseeing the AYPM in the Philippines. The Corporate President, by authority of the Diocese of Banja Luka, formally incorporated them into the spiritual family.
The rite concluded with the same entrustment given to the coordinators: The AYPM Handbook and Golden Book, The Crucifix of the AYPM, and the blem of the AYPM – symbol of fearless witness. The priest extended a solemn blessing upon all the newly admitted members, praying that the Holy Spirit strengthen them to serve as apostles of prayer for the youth of the Philippines.
CONCLUSION
The two ceremonies of October 31 and November 16 marked the formal establishment of the Apostle of the Youth Prayer Movement in the Philippines. Rooted in history, blessed by its Canonical Founder, strengthened by the spirituality of Blessed Ivan Merz, and animated by the fervor of the youth, the AYPM now stood as a spiritual movement dedicated to forming young apostles of prayer, fearless, faithful, and aflame with Eucharistic love.
Under the motto of the Croatian Eagles “Sacrifice – Eucharist – Apostolate”, and under the banner of Christ the King, The youth of AYPM now take their place in the Church’s mission.
