Before I went to National Youth Day (NYD), I attended the World Youth Congress (WYC) a week earlier. Leading up to both events, ang daming challenges na dumating—financial problems, sakit, and more. I even thought, “What if mag-back out na lang ako? Kasi hindi ko alam kung saan ako kukuha ng iba pang kailangan.” It came to a point na ilang araw na lang before the event, and I was still unsure.
But I prayed, “Lord, if will mo pa akong makasama sa NYD, let Your will be done.” And truly, when you surrender and hope in the Lord, He never abandons you. Being part of National Youth Day as a pilgrim was a gift and a great opportunity for me to be anchored in Christ. It reminded me to continue walking in my mission journey. I received so many messages from God during NYD. But one of the highlights for me was the Opening Ceremonies—especially the traslacion and opening mass.
It rained during the Mass, but we stayed. And in that moment, God spoke to me: “Umulan man, nandito ako sa tabi mo.” It reminded me that with every rain, grace and love also pour down from heaven. God never abandoned the youth and the people who joined NYD and the Traslacion.
Being part of NYD as a pilgrim was truly an encounter with God—through all the people I met, through every step of this journey. One moment that really revealed God to me was during the immersion. I encountered families who were going through heavy challenges. And I told myself, “Wala pa yung pinagdadaanan ko sa pinagdadaanan nila.” God reminded me again: “Do not be afraid sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan mo—kasama mo Ako.” Just like what one family told me: “Do not be afraid sa buhay.” That stayed with me. And until now, I still remember it.
Being part of NYD was a blessing. It was a chance to receive God’s grace—and also to share it with other youth I encountered. God reminded me here: “Where you place your hope in Me, you will never be disappointed.”
National Youth Day Caceres! This was my first-ever NYD encounter—and it became a core memory for me. So much happened. I encountered 7,999 young Catholics who were falling in love with God and with Mary. Much is yet to happen. As it is said, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk with Jesus.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kuya Jepoy dela Cruz. A former MFC HIGH Servant of NCR Central.
