The Yes Discovery
Out of the lands did we fly, up up on the way
On a Journey for our hearts and minds to play
The rugged and crooked roads while on the way
Transformed us and now life seems to be okay.
On a Journey we all embarked, with unknown fears and anxieties
Little did we know; Our pilgrimage is a Yes Discovery on the Way
Long hours of flying in the sky is what was required
Those strayed, brought glad tidings on their reunion
Together, we marched to the destiny, with hearts to melt and minds to change.
On our pilgrimage, waiting to discover the untrodden ways of faith
Visiting the ancient places of worship, churches and shrines
These explained to us the struggles for Faith, adoptive traditions
Times of healing, grace and the power of faith
Our murky minds wondered at these majestic structures and historical monuments
None could avoid the Wow expression after a brief glance and guided explanation.
Peru opened our minds to the disparities of human conditions
but Peruvians renewed our hearts in welcoming,
accommodating and being hospitable to us
While our journey has been tough, the discoveries remained tougher
because the journey on our pilgrimage was a Journey within.
As a few looked upon this Journey for amusement and fun
Others were awakened by the insightful catechesis
Which needed reflection, change of thinking and attitude
Perhaps that strengthened our purpose of this pilgrimage.
What we needed the most was the metanoia factor
That John the Baptist cried about in the wilderness
A Change of heart and a renewed mind to pursue the saviour
These loud cries sank into our hearts and minds, inviting us to transform.
In small groups did we pour out our experiences both good and hard
We affirmed the most sharings, critiqued a few and challenged some
Taking all that came on our journey with open hearts
While challenging our minds and wills did the trick.
The opening day’s welcome set the perfect tone for us
to enter into World Youth Day 2019
The vibrant message from Archbishop Ulloa and the youth’s energy
vividly expressed, motivated and enthralled us
Then arrived the challenges that doubled our fears
as we faced the unknown and life-intimidating walks
amidst crowds on the pursuit of the goal to know
something special and to meet someone precious
Well, nothing stopped the brave, while gliding the untrodden ways
and in reaching the destination, with warm hearts filled with Hope.
Then came the momentous jubilation at the sight of that precious pursuit,
our pain vanished, our hearts filled with Joy as we sang the chorus,
‘Long live Papa Francesco!’ His message was challenging and enlightening
He said, “You are a Disciple; A Disciple is not merely someone
who arrives at a certain place, but one who sets out decisively,
who is not afraid to take risks and keeps walking
This is the great joy, to keep walking in faith
You have not been afraid to take risks and to keep Journeying.”
His encouragement to be a witnessing Disciple, opened our hearts.
Time ticked out soon, as the minutes kept running into hours
And hours into days, bringing life changing events alive
And days into weeks to satiate the Journey within
So are the lively moments turning into memories
Memories as long-lasting reminders as we returned home
And the reminders as challenges to overcome.
We at times searched, questioned and enquired
While walking and Journeying with friends known and unknown
Who neither shared our language, place or colour
Just mere humanity – A thing to admire and imitate
The YES DISCOVERY has been quite eventful and memorable
It’s now our time, in realising that we are the Now of God
So, Let’s Keep Walking, Keep Living the Faith and Sharing Love.
Joseph Reddy SVD
