In FTW Shares, Sharing, Witness Corner

When the parish priest of our host parish said, “You are now a part of the history of Bula, and Bula is now a part of you,” I truly felt it. The warmth of its people and its rich history showed that faith is alive.

Coming to NYD with no expectations—as it was my first time attending—I simply wanted to be open to whatever the Lord had to say to me through this experience. I knew that no matter the circumstance, God would meet me there. When I found out our host parish would be St. Mary Magdalene in Bula, Camarines Sur, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was certain of one thing: God would show up.

True enough, one night after a gathering in Naga, it rained heavily and we arrived later than expected. We couldn’t remember our drop-off point, and we forgot to get the contact number of our foster parents. With no other way to reach them, we contacted the parish priests. When we got there, our foster parents were already waiting, worried because of the rain and delay.

When we got home, Tita Mency, our foster parent shared that her daughter from Naga had been asking if we had arrived, and even their son from the neighborhood was looking out for us. That moment made me realize: they didn’t just take us out of duty—they treated us like family.

And just like that, I knew Jesus was reminding me: Faith connects us deeper than we realize. It transcends place and background—because when we share the same faith, we share a home.

Like the Catholic Church, wherever you are on your journey, you’re called to walk with your co-pilgrims. Because our life is our mission, and our ultimate destination is heaven.

“Life’s journey is a pilgrimage, a mission. You have come for a mission and you will return, hopefully, with a greater sense of mission.” —Bp. Rex Alarcon, NYD 2025 Opening Mass

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ate Baj Caday. Former MFC Youth LIT Mission Volunteer

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