“When you welcome someone into your home, you’re not just opening your house, your fridge, or your wallet. You’re opening your heart.”
When we arrived at our host parish (harong), we were warmly welcomed by the parish priest, the parishioners, and the NYD youth service team. Right away, I could tell how prepared they were. But more than that, I saw that they didn’t treat this simply as a task. They saw it as a mission. Their role was to host, to care for us, and to help each one of us have a meaningful encounter with Jesus during NYD.
When they brought us to our host family, we were surprised to find out that we weren’t the only delegates staying there. They were also hosting others—six delegates in total! That’s a lot. Then we met our host, Tita Camila. She welcomed us with so much joy and generosity. It reminded me what real hospitality looks like. When you welcome someone into your home, you’re not just opening your house, your fridge, or your wallet. You’re opening your heart. You’re making space—for stories, for strangers who quickly become friends, for moments of grace.
Every time we gathered as NYD delegates (all 8,000 of us), you could feel the warm embrace of the Diocese and even the support of the local government. There was this deep sense of security, energy, and genuine care. No one felt alone. No one felt unwelcome.
For me, this NYD was all about welcoming, embracing, and taking care of the flock. The way the parish, the host family, and the Diocese of Naga cared for us is exactly how we should be caring for the youth.
They want to feel safe.
They want to be heard.
They want to be loved.
They want to belong.
They shouldn’t be afraid to try or to grow. And above all, they need people who will lead them closer to God— away from sin and distractions, and closer to our one true Love, Jesus Christ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kuya DR Arellano. The MFC Youth National Coordinator.
