Because of Love: The Purpose Behind My NYD Journey

A Reflection on My National Youth Day Journey

“Kung dili ako, para kang kinsa?”
This was the very first question I asked myself even before the National Youth Day began. I kept wondering: If this journey is not meant for me, then who is it for? But if it truly is for me — and God allows me to join — then it must be grace. A grace with purpose. A grace that’s meant to do something more in me and through me.

There were times I felt hopeless about joining NYD, especially because of financial concerns. But God’s grace never fails. I was unexpectedly called by our Vicar General, and we talked about the things I needed — including financial support. That moment reminded me that when God wills something for you, He makes a way.

Before NYD, I was in a difficult place. I felt exhausted from organizing our Parish Youth Day. I felt invisible, unheard, unappreciated. I was tired — physically, emotionally, spiritually. I told myself: “When NYD ends, I’ll stop. I’m tired of understanding. I’m tired of giving. I’m tired, period.”

But that pain, that tiredness, that sense of loss — it all led me to a deeper realization. It helped me see the light and my true purpose. I started asking: Why did God still grant me the grace to join NYD? Why did I have to feel lost, weak, and tired before getting there?

Then came the first day of NYD. A day of warm welcomes, new smiles, and joyful faces from other dioceses. Despite being the smallest delegation, we were embraced with so much love. My foster family welcomed me with open arms. That day, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while — loved. I realized that I wasn’t alone after all. God gave me a family through people I had just met.

During the Translacion of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, I began to complain. My feet hurt. The heat was unbearable. The line was too long. It was taking forever to move. But in that moment of discomfort, I encountered my true self. I realized: sometimes, we focus too much on negative things — things that weaken our spirit and body. But what we truly need is faith, hope, and patience. These three give us the strength to continue, not just for ourselves, but for those who need us most.

My NYD journey reminded me of the reason behind it all. It gave me strength. It gave me a renewed vision of myself — that I am capable, that I am chosen, that I am enough. Even in the face of trials, I am reminded: we are not tested to be destroyed, but to be refined.

Many times, we are tested by our own thoughts. But in all that we go through, we must proclaim the goodness of God — goodness that gives us hope. A hope not just for ourselves, but for all creation. All the pain, sadness, and struggles I experienced were not punishments, but invitations — invitations to persevere in prayer and to trust in God’s plan.

I was also reminded of the true meaning of chastity — not just about avoiding physical intimacy, but about purity in all aspects of life. Purity in our thoughts, in our actions, in our words, in our intentions, in the way we treat others. If we live by this, nothing — not even the strongest storms — can bring us down.

Because if we are rooted in Christ, no uncertainty, no struggle, no suffering can shake our purpose.

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Thank you, NYD, for allowing me to see that my pain had purpose.
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that I am loved, called, and chosen.

And to everyone reading — remember this:

When God calls you, He equips you.
And when He allows you to feel weak,
It’s because He’s preparing to show you His strength.

And in the end — love remains.
It is love that gives us hope.
Love that gives us courage.
Love that empowers our renewed mission and purpose — the very purpose revealed to me through this NYD experience.
This is the greatest reason why I was able to join NYD: because of God’s love for me.

A love that constantly gives me strength,
A love that gives me understanding,
And a love that reminds me —
I belong to God.