Greeted by a beautiful weather, the third day of the 24th International Conference started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem heralding his Paschal Mystery. Palm branches were raised and blessed during the procession by Most Rev. Fr. Renato Mayuba, D.D. The reverend recalled the essence and heart of the Holy Week: God’s great mercy. He then called the hearts of the 7,000+ Youth for Christ to answer the cry of those who need this same mercy – to be bearers of God’s mercy to our families, our classmates or colleagues, and friends.

The announcement of victors for all competitions followed right after the mass. Regions cheered for their representatives while their trophies were handed by Lawrence Quintero, YFC International Coordinator, GJ Ramores, 24th YFC ICon Event Head and Robbie Andres, CFC Provincial Area Director of Ilocos Norte. The winners and their respective events are the following:

STATEMENT SHIRT: Negros Occidental (Jayvee Ignacio)

ADVOCACY PARADE: Western Mindanao

AREA BOOTH: Metro Manila

AIRPLANE BLITZ: Metro Manila

BALLOON STOMPERS: Central Luzon

PATINTERO: Western Visayas

MINUTE TO WIN IT: North Eastern Mindanao

FUTSAL: Western Visayas

BADMINTON MIXED: Southern Tagalog

BADMINTON MEN’S: Metro Manila

BADMINTON WOMEN’S: South Central Mindanao

VOLLEYBALL: Southern Tagalog

BASKETBALL JUNIORS: Manila

BASKETBALL SENIORS: Southern Tagalog

SPOKEN WORD POETRY VIDEO: Canada

MUSIC ICON: Metro Manila

DANCE: South Central Mindanao

COUPLE COORDINATORS GOT TALENT: North Eastern Mindanao

BAND: Central Visayas

Bimbo Yerro, Full Time Pastoral Worker of Cebu, precedented the praisefest that was as warm as the heat of the sun. He highlighted that a Youth for Christ is a missionary and can serve as a stronghold for others just as he/she has God as his/her stronghold. Rooted in the truth that God loved us first, the 7,000+ are reminded that the real solid ground is not found in the three-day conference but wherever the Lord has called us. This is a call for everyone to stand firm in the faith and all together lay down to the loving Father all the hindrances that keep them from fulfilling the mission. During the praisefest, YFCs gathered at the center of the Marcos Stadium and held on to the cross and each other forming chains of people whose core is the cross of Christ – our Solid Rock.

Ilocos Norte has been nothing but hospitable and gracious to the CFC-Youth for Christ community. The 24th YFC International Conference has concluded but these young people will continue to do God’s works with love. Next year, the 7,000+ delegates from the 22 countries that came together will strive to bring more hearts as they gather again for the 25th YFC International Conference in Manila.

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