National Youth Day 2025 – A DOSE OF GOD TODAY

FAITH AND MY NYD JOURNEY

Faith is the quiet strength that carries us through life’s most uncertain moments. It is not simply a belief in something unseen, but a deep trust that no matter how unclear the path may be, we are not walking alone. There have been times in my life when doubts, fears, or hardships threatened to overshadow hope—but faith reminded me to keep moving forward.

What makes faith so powerful is that it does not require certainty. It asks only for willingness—a willingness to believe, to hope, and to endure. It does not promise a life without struggle, but it offers the courage to face challenges with grace and the resilience to rise again when we fall.

Despite being the smallest delegation in the recent National Youth Day 2025, faith has been a source of peace. Whether through prayer, reflection, or simply trusting in a higher purpose, I have come to understand that faith is not about having all the answers. Faith in God is about finding strength even in the many questions. Faith leads to light that continues to shine, even when everything else feels dark. Faith does not remove life’s storms, but it anchors us through them. And that, I believe, is the greatest gift I have received.

The journey of many young people during the National Youth Day 2025 in the Archdiocese of Caceres, was a unique and transformative chapter in life. It has become a time filled with discoveries, challenges, and growth. The opportunities given allowed us to explore who we are, what we believe in, and what we hope to become. Along the way, we encountered both triumphs and failures, each shaping our character and helping us understand the world around us.

Being youth is often marked by energy and ambition, but it is also a time of confusion and vulnerability. There are moments that I too feel lost or unsure, questioning my own choices and direction. Yet, these very struggles are what built resilience and inspire wisdom. I realized, mistakes are not signs of weakness—they are powerful lessons that guide us toward maturity.

As I reflect on the journey of being young during this NYD2025, I see it as a time of endless potentials. It is the foundation on which our dreams are built, relationships are formed, and values are developed. It is also a reminder that we are constantly evolving, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Most importantly, the youth-journey is not meant to be walked alone. With the guidance of family, mentors, friends, and faith, we find the strength to face life’s uncertainties. As we grow older, we carry the lessons of our youth with us. These are lessons of courage, identity, and hope. In every step, whether forward or backward, there is purpose. And in every young heart, there is the promise of a bright and meaningful future.

Despite not having the support from my parish, I made it. It’s with God’s guidance and grace. The NYD celebration was certainly not easy to many young pilgrims. But with God’s mercy, I also met individuals who made my prayers into reality. Many helped to heal my wounds of not having the support coming from my home parish.

In the end, I’ve come to see this pain as part of my own growth. It reminded me of the importance of kindness, the strength in being gentle, and the power of choosing to speak with care. Though hurtful words can leave scars, they also teach us to be more thoughtful, compassionate, and strong.

But all of those come from my faith and service . And so I end this reflection with this quote, “A heart touched by faith learns to rise after every fall, love after every loss, and believe after every doubt.” DIOS MABALOS! SHUKRAN.

June 29, 2025

Because of Love: The Purpose Behind My NYD Journey

A Reflection on My National Youth Day Journey

*A Reflection by Miss Jossivel Colita, PYM Youth Leader*

“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.

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.

June 23, 2025

Unforgettable Firsts: My National Youth Day Journey

A Reflection by ***Richly Allin King B. Vildosola, Youth Minister***

“Experience is the best teacher, especially when it’s your first time.” This quote primarily refers on trying new things which can be transformative. Indeed, first-hand experiences shape our perspectives and understanding.

The National Youth Day (NYD) 2025, happened on June 10-14, in the Archdiocese of Caceres, Naga City. It was an encounter of young pilgrims of hope nationwide. It strengthens the relationship of the youth with God, our Father, and our Mother, the Inà ng Peñafrancia.

It was my first time attending and joining NYD, with heart full of hope and mind filled with uncertainty of “Why I am here?”

I realized that I was there because I am His servant, His child, His son, and His believer. God sent me to the NYD because of many purposes. First, to reconnect with God. Second, to strengthen my faith with Him. And third, to beome a bearer of hope for my community and co-youth.

Attending the NYD was the highlight of this journey. Connecting with fellow youth from diverse backgrounds, sharing stories, and learning from inspiring speakers was life-changing. NYD taught me the value of community, faith, resilience and chastity. I realized that even in uncertainty, hope and determination can guide us forward.

In addition, it reminds me to nurture my faith and develop my self that in every aspect of our individual lives there is God. The Lord is always there for us, giving us light and life.

These experiences have shaped me in ways I never thought were possible. They’ve broadened my perspective and fueled my passion for growth as a young person

Alongside my NYD journey, there’s lot of things that happened to me. Such as boarding on a plane for the first time was amazing! The rush of takeoff, the view from above (city lights and clouds) – was breathtaking. Visiting Manila, the bustling city, was overwhelming yet thrilling.

I had also the opportunity in exploring new places – (1)Going to Intramuros, a historic walled city with rich history and cultural significance from the colonization of Spaniards. (2) The Roman Catholic Churches, such as Baclaran Church, Manila Cathedral, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine and many more. (3) We went to Mall of Asia (MOA) a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Pasay City. (4) Bathing in Hot Spring in Panicuason, Naga City. It is a natural spring that emits warm or hot water. I got to eat as well some Naga special foods and delicacies, such as Bicol express, Laing, and Kinalas.

All in all, I’m grateful for these many firsts that i had, which have become cherished moments for me. Those were memories that will always be remembered. They’ve shown me that life is full of possibilities and that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to incredible growth.

Before I end this reflection, allow me to barrow a quote from Miss Karen Joy Caramoan, one of our resource speaker during the NYD 2025, she said, “If you are taking risk with the Lord, and for the Lord, do not be afraid.”

June 22, 2025

Loud Faith in our Small Voices

*A Reflection by **Robert Agustin**, a Youth Minister*

As I have stepped on the ground of NYD Caceres 2025, I was overwhelmed with the vibrant faces and voices of the different people from all over the country. I was fascinated with their energy and their excitement. What made it more impressive was the great number of their delegates. There were many of them some have even reached hundreds. They were loud, energetic and lively as groups. From there, I began to question myself, what could we contribute? We were only six, negligible, minute and small. We even don’t have big banners, no loud cheers, booms and massive grand entrance. This was in this time where I started feeling the least amidst a well-represented groups of delegates.

At the beginning of our sessions and activities, I witnessed how animated other delegates were. Each of them showed and gave their extraordinary best in their cheers, claps and performances. At first, I couldn’t help but to feel left out- maybe because of the reason that there were only few of us, with weaker and quieter voice compared to others. There were also moments where we became silent and simply observing while we were also participating in the different group activities. We didn’t talk that much because we were so shy. However, in our stillness we were able to realize something good. Being not the loudest is also sacred because in our quiet moments, we listen, we pray, we understand and we feel God’s presence.

Being a minority is no longer new to us. As Youth participants from a Muslim dominated area, we have been taught how to jive, mingle, adapt and respect our surroundings. Handling this kind of situation during NYD was a lot easier since the people around us were no different, they were our companions in the mission.

One bright side of being few is that, we fully see and feel each other’s importance. Our small number allowed us to stay closer from each other. We got to know each other’s stories, backgrounds and even our good and bad personalities. It also allowed us to lean on each other’s comfort and support whenever things may go wrong. I felt that I’m not alone in the ministry. It seems like I have found new brothers and sisters who are willing to share their strength with me and help me in times of my weaknesses. Indeed, our small number gave us way to be more present in each other’s life.

We may be few in number but the love of God is huge. We feel so much love from our “katoods” or friends from the other dioceses. They had never overlooked us but instead they lifted us up, cheer for us, and accompanied us. Things had changed along the way, I began to understand that we were their neither to see the difference in number nor just to impress everyone. We were there to appreciate our similarities, to share our common hope and to live in faith in Christ. We were there to help carry each other’s cross, celebrate each other’s life and to be the living testament of God’s Love, mercy and compassion.

As I left NYD 2025, I carried more than just photos, smiles and snapshots . I carried a deep sense of peace and hope towards the Filipino Youth. I was reminded that we don’t have to be many in order to see our strength. The strength is within us, within our hearts and mind. No matter how small we are, we can still do great things because God is with us. We don’t need to be at the center to shine. There is beauty in being the least – a beauty rooted in humility like a child, in simplicity like our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the quiet confidence that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

June 22, 2025

NYD 2025 Reflection: OUR FOSTER HOMES

*A Reflection by Diovelene Francisco, Youth Coordinator*

MAOGMANG PAG-ABOT SA AMONG HARONG!—the very phrase that welcomed me in my foster family’s home in Brgy. Carolina during the NYD 2025 at Caceres, Naga city. The smiles were wide, the hugs, warm; the foods, masiram asin nakakainit nin puso (delicious and heart-warming); and the people, made me feel at home.

Participating in this nation-wide activity for the Catholic Youth made me feel excited—looking forward for a fruitful and worthwhile experience; and at the same time anxious. I was anxious that I may find it hard to get along with other people because of my personality. I was anxious because of prior events (PAR- Personal Area of Responsibility) that left my heart heavier than the baggage I paid for. And I was anxious that I might create an awkward atmosphere between me and my foster family or my safety might be compromised. This anxiety and all its “what ifs” weighed heavy on me, until I got the chance to spend a silent hour with our Mother on our little stop over at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran. I prayed. I believed. And I walked forward though scared.

Pilgrims were fostered. The place is new to most of us. There’s also the health risk of Mpox in some areas where the pilgrims came from. At some point, this gathering was a bit scary. Our harong (host parish) the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, was quite far from the centro in which the major activities were held. There were only six of us pilgrims from the Prelature, yet, I felt uncertain for what would come for us in the next four days of the event. What more for those who were with a larger number of pilgrims?

Yet, God works wonders when we persevere in prayer. I was scared, but I was hopeful. This was enough. As we arrived in Caceres and right then and there, our patience was tested. But the warm welcome from our Pueblo and foster family offered comfort and security. Since then, I felt at peace and relieved, knowing that our foster families were ready to accompany us in this youth gathering. I felt reassured from the very first day.

My foster nanay, Mama Gina Bobis, gave us her social media account and assured us that whenever the activities are unbearable for us (me and my foster sibling, Ate Rassel), we can message her. They were reading to pick us up and drive us to their house so we can rest. If the food during the activities would not be enough or not to our liking, a message from us would make her pack home cooked food for us (but the food offered by the pueblo and harong, the organizers during the activities were more than enough. Dios mabalos!).

This short conversation around the dinner table on our first night in our foster family ate up all the anxiety I had before coming to Naga. I was assured. I have a safe place to go when outside becomes unbearable. I have a home.

And so, my NYD days have updates like “Na sa venue na po kami, Nanay”, “We had snacks/ lunch/ dinner po given by our Harong po.”, “Pauwi na po kami, Nanay.” And then, it wasn’t very scary anymore. I wasn’t that anxious anymore. I was happy and at peace. The kindness this family have shown us from the day we arrived was inclusive, light in atmosphere, and genuine; so does the other foster homes that catered the other participants. Our foster families made sure we never felt unwelcomed.

In return, we made sure they know how grateful we are in everyday that we’ve lived with them. The mutual respect, care, and trust were shown and felt. God blessed us with these households that opened their home for us young pilgrims.

The thought of an unfamiliar place and people could be scary, threatening our sense of security in almost all aspects. But people, like our foster families in NYD 2025 Caceres, whose hearts and hands were open to welcome us even before we’ve arrived in their doorsteps, made us felt home.

Despite their own busy daily schedules, they accommodated us and treated us like we are family; full of consideration, understanding, prayers of safety, and genuinely happy with what we are doing. The four days we’ve spent under the roof of their home was enough to cherish the family we had in Naga for a lifetime.

And before we knew it, we’re already exchanging goodbyes and promises of keeping in touch and praying for each other, a bit of tearful “We’ll visit again po, Nanay. Puhon.” And a long tight hug. And that, this NYD experience was a core memory because God, once again made His presence known, through the families who opened their home for us, assured and created a safe space for us, and made our NYD 2025 Caceres experience memorable and worthwhile. Dios mabalos!