“The Lord knows.” This simple phrase perfectly sums up my entire National Youth Day (NYD) experience.
When I first heard about NYD, I thought, “That sounds like a beautiful experience,” but I didn’t believe it would be possible for me to join. Yet what started as a small thought turned into reality—and it was nothing short of grace. The Lord truly knew that NYD would become an avenue for me to grow in hope, to endure with faith, and to serve with greater perseverance.
During the Traslación, we prayed the Holy Rosary, sang Marian songs, and recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet. In that sacred moment, it felt as though the Lord was gently telling me, “I know the desires of your heart.” I had been longing to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with a community for so long—and who would’ve thought it would finally happen at NYD?
That day was long and physically exhausting. The sun blazed down, and then came the rain. There were delays and inconveniences along the way. Yet in the faces of the youth, hope remained alive. The night ended with a beautiful fireworks display. It felt like God was whispering, “This is your reward after a day well spent in faith and perseverance.”
During the Day of Formation, I felt as if the plenary session was made specifically for me. I was meant to be there. It wasn’t by accident that we belonged to Pueblo nin Pagpugol. Everything I learned, every story I heard—the entire experience was exactly what I needed at that moment. Once again, the Lord knows.
Even until the Day of Pilgrimage, the Lord never stopped amazing us. Our community exposure deepened our faith in ways we didn’t expect. And even in the final moments with our host parish and families, we truly felt deeply loved and cared for.
The NYD concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration, but before that, we were blessed with a time of Eucharistic Adoration and dyad sharing. I saw this as a grace-filled and meaningful way to wrap up everything we had experienced.
To be with Jesus—together with our Katoods—was a powerful reminder that we are surrounded by people who, just like us, struggle, but still choose to remain in His love and keep hoping in the youth.
I came to National Youth Day with no expectations. But Jesus met me there—quietly and powerfully—reminding me that even the things I cannot express or fully understand, He knows. He holds. He heals.
NYD was a unique experience for each of us. Yet one truth remained constant: The Lord is a Lord we can fully trust. And in His name, we hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ate Yari Sancover. A Mission Volunteer for MFC Youth Mindanao.
