This year’s WYC, entitled “Always Jesus,” has been a landmark moment in my life. I was given the privilege to spearhead the event and to be part of the team that wrote the WYC theme song.
When we started preparing for the Congress, I felt too young for this responsibility. I felt like I didn’t have enough knowledge and wisdom to lead the whole service team, deal with local government offices, or even write the WYC theme song. As months passed, I was filled with so many worries. I kept asking the Lord how this Congress would come together. I was anxious about the registration, the budget, the program, and many other details.
With all these worries and anxieties, I became more reliant on Jesus. I found myself going to the adoration chapel almost every day and attending Holy Mass more often. One time, after receiving communion and going to confession, I encountered a group of college students in front of the church. They asked me, “Why do you go to church?” I answered from the top of my head, “Because I find peace here.”
The WYC preparations were chaotic, exhausting, and filled with worries. But amidst all these challenges, I was reminded of that college student who asked me that question. I realized that, in all these experiences, Jesus Christ is my peace. He calmed my heart and taught me to believe in His presence through the sacrament of the Eucharist. Reflecting on this, I thought back to how we wrote the theme song. In one of the meetings, someone asked about the lyrics, “Jesus, my Prince of Peace.” At that time, I could only say that it was a praise song that described Jesus in our lives. But after that encounter with the college students, the lyrics became more personal to me. He is truly the Prince of Peace. In the midst of the WYC preparations, He allowed me to experience His peace through His sacraments.
The peace is in the Tabernacle. The peace is Jesus, through the Holy Eucharist. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, always and in all ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kuya Smith Pinera is a Full-time Pastoral Worker in MFC Youth. He is the event head of the recent World Youth Congress 2024.
