Almost two thousand young people from all walks of life had come together at Rosario Complex, San Pedro, Laguna for the 26th World Youth Day (Laguna celebration) last August 20-21, 2011. This event is celebrated every three years in different country to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who want to commit themselves to Christ and others. For this year, it was held in Madrid, Spain with the theme: `Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.`

As one of the institution that promotes youth holistic development, STI College Santa Rosa took an active part in this remarkable event. Three hundred students, together with six instructors, had a great encounter with their fellow youth of Laguna.

The first part of the celebration was held at the Dominican College of Santa Rosa. A short program was started at 1:00 pm. It was followed by life-affirming activities, seminar and sharing. Simultaneously, starting from 7:00 pm, the praying of the Holy Rosary and the tiring but exciting sacrificial walk began. The procession had its stop-over at SM Sta. Rosa at 9:00 pm where the culmination of the second trip was done. Breathing for a while, the youth prepared for a longer walk to Rosario Square, Rosario Complex, San Pedro, Laguna.

It took almost 6 hours before the journey reached its destination. Everyone was exhausted but fulfilled to finally set foot on the venue. By 1:00 am, night of prayer and action-singing started. But there was not just happiness and singing, there was also time for prayer, silence and reflection during the long and intense vigil night. With some people praying and others asleep, the night passed calmly and silently waiting for the farewell Mass with the Pope as aired live from Spain early on Sunday morning.