Attending my first World Youth Congress (WYC) was something I had been dreaming about for a long time. The moment I found out I was going, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Even before the actual event, I was already so excited that I packed my things early, way earlier than necessary. I kept imagining what it would be like to travel with fellow youth, explore tourist spots, and create memories in a new place. I pictured laughter, late-night talks, and endless selfies. At that point, I was honestly thinking more about the adventure than the spiritual experience.
But all of that changed during our heart-setting session before the congress. I remember that one slide that was about the difficulty of focusing about what truly matters and one of the examples was “making the WYC into a trip.” Suddenly, my mind shifted from sightseeing to praying, from expecting fun to preparing for worship. I realized this event was going to be so much more than I thought. It wasn’t just a trip.
When I arrived at the venue, I quietly said to myself, “This is it. My first WYC. Meron kaya akong makikilala dito?” I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone except the people I came with. I felt like a small fish in a very big pond. I also assumed the congress would be serious and quiet, filled with long, formal sessions. But I was completely wrong. The venue was bursting with energy, cheers, music, laughter, and joy. It wasn’t just a religious event, it was a celebration of faith, of life, of youth on fire for God.
One of the best parts was meeting people from all over. I got to know Leira from Singapore and Jerralyn from Aurora. We bonded over shared experiences, talked about our favorites and the things we like, and even joked about how little sleep we were getting. During the Arks of Champions activity, I was a bit anxious. I thought I might get left out or feel invisible in the group. But instead, I met friendly and welcoming people who made me feel like I truly belonged. I even remember a funny but sweet moment: I was so sleepy from all the activities that I started dozing off while standing. Our subgroup leader gently tapped my shoulder and asked if I was okay. I told him I was just tired, but that small act made a big impact. It reminded me that I was seen, noticed, and cared for.
There was a special kind of love and comfort in that place, something I had never experienced before. We were strangers from different backgrounds, and places, but when we talked, it felt like we had known each other for a long time. There was no judgment, no competition, no pressure just unity, support, and shared faith.
The most powerful moment for me was during one of the worships. For the first time, I lifted my hands high in praise. Back then, whenever I joined worship services at home, I would usually stay in the back or just clap quietly on the side. I was too shy to raise my hands or sing too loudly. But at WYC, I felt something different, a boldness, a fire in my heart that I couldn’t explain. The music was loud, the lights were dim, and the atmosphere was filled with sincere prayer and praise. I wasn’t just attending anymore for the requirements, I was part of it. I felt free, alive, and connected to something much bigger than myself.
WYC helped me grow in my faith as a Catholic youth. It answered questions I didn’t even know I had. I realized that faith isn’t about being perfect or pretending to be holy. It’s about showing up, opening your heart, and letting God work in you.
But in the middle of all this joy, I was carrying something heavy.
During one of our breaks, I checked my phone and saw a message that shook me. It was from my dad. After six years of no contact, he suddenly messaged me. I stared at the screen in disbelief. My heart felt confused and heavy. I didn’t know whether to feel happy, angry, or scared. I had waited so long to hear from him, and yet now that the moment had come, I didn’t know how to respond. I felt torn- torn between the joy of WYC and the pain of my past.
That night, I couldn’t sleep well. Thoughts ran through my head: “Should I reply? What does he want? Why now?” I wanted to enjoy the congress, but that message was like a storm cloud hanging over me. I finally opened up to someone, and they told me something I’ll never forget: “Just have fun, and leave your problems to the Lord.”
And so, I did.
I let go, not of the pain entirely, but of the need to carry it alone. I decided to trust that God was working, even in the areas of my life that didn’t make sense.That simple advice gave me peace and reminded me that I didn’t have to figure everything out at once. I could be present in the moment and let God take care of the rest.
That moment reminded me that God is in control. WYC didn’t just give me joy it gave me courage, clarity, and the strength to surrender. It taught me that healing doesn’t have to wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, healing begins when you praise through the pain.
As I left WYC, I felt transformed. Not because everything in my life was suddenly fixed, but because my heart had changed. I now had a stronger faith, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of God’s love. I no longer saw faith as just a Sunday activity, it had become my foundation to share Christ with every youth.
Thank you, MFC Youth, for making my first WYC so meaningful, memorable, and life-changing. I will carry this experience in my heart forever, and I know this is just the beginning of my journey with the Lord.
