There are many things I carry with me from NYD that are truly noteworthy, but the idea of being a pilgrim of hope is what resonated with me most throughout the week-long event.
Being there made me feel small—not in a bad way, but in a way that reminded me I am not alone. As a servant in the youth ministry, I often feel isolated in my struggles. The weight of all my responsibilities, the countless rejections, the exhaustion—it often feels like something I cannot share with anyone. Yes, I can always share it with people within our community, but what about those outside? Can anyone else relate to what we go through?
NYD opened my eyes. I came to realize that we are not alone. Different organizations and youth ministries from across the country understand our struggles too. Though we all have our own unique ways of evangelizing the youth, we share one common mission: to bring Christ to the young. It’s deeply comforting to know that the burden doesn’t rest solely on our shoulders. We carry it together—with other youth ministers, leaders, and missionaries from various areas and dioceses.
In a way, that gives me peace and hope.
Maybe this is what being a pilgrim of hope truly means—to bear the mission together. To be a witness of Christ to others. To walk humbly, knowing we are not alone because others are also on the battleground with us, fighting for one reason: Christ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kuya Joshua Cortez. A Mission Volunteer assigned in MFC Youth LIT.
