Thursday, 28 February 2019 10:30

The Yes Discovery - remembering World Youth Day Panama

 

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.

Joseph Reddy WYD Panama5 350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Joseph Reddy WYD Panama3 350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Joseph Reddy WYD Panama1 350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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. 

Joseph Reddy WYD Panama4 350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Joseph Reddy WYD Panama6 350