Pilgrims of Hope in the Digital Caribbean

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar of Communications

The Jubilee Year 2025 is upon us, and Pope Francis has called us to be pilgrims of hope. But what does that mean for us here in the Caribbean, where the digital landscape stretches as far and wide as the endless blue Caribbean Sea? How do we live as hopeful missionary disciples of Jesus in a world where social media can often feel like a stormy harbour?

In true Caribbean style, being a pilgrim of hope means taking our journey through the digital world with the same zest (not ‘zesser’ – lol) and flavour as a good river lime. Picture yourself at Caura River. Your car trunk is packed with curry, green seasoning, a duck, a pot to “bubble” and a cooler full of drinks. Similarly, our spiritual journey needs to be well-stocked: with faith, discernment, and a healthy dose of critical thinking.

Sensing the digital currents

Let’s start with sight. Just as we scan the horizon to spot rain clouds on a beach day, we need to pause and reflect on what we’re looking at online. Is it inspiring us, helping us grow closer to God and others, or is it pulling us into dark, murky waters? A quick scroll through social media can sometimes feel like you are drifting in the sea currents—messy, uncontrollable, unpredictable and endless. Stopping to reflect on what we consume can turn a chaotic feed into a stream of grace.

Next, there’s sound. The digital world is noisy, like a bustling Carnival band with blasting ‘big trucks’. But not every sound is music to the soul. Take a moment to discern: is what you’re listening to helping you hear God’s voice amidst the noise? Pope Francis encourages us to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and discernment. Just like Panorama tenor pan players tune their instruments to perfection, we can tune our hearts to align with God’s rhythm.

Now, let’s not forget taste. Just as we savour good oil down or mango chow, savour the time you spend online. Is it feeding your spirit and soul or leaving you hungry? Spending hours doom-scrolling is like eating too many pepper-roti—you’ll regret it later. Is it a time waster and a soul destroyer? (Matthew Kelly). Instead, take in what truly nourishes your soul, leaving the junk behind.

Navigating the digital boat

The digital world is like setting out on a boat lime. If you’re not careful, you’ll drift aimlessly. That’s why critical thinking is our anchor. Evaluate the messages you consume and align them with the values of our faith. Ask yourself: is this true? Is this kind? Is this worth my time? Elders, like experienced fishermen, can help teach the next generation how to navigate these murky waters responsibly.

Hope on the horizon

Finally, remember hope is the lighthouse guiding our journey. Even when the digital sea gets rough or feels like a shipwreck waiting to happen, God is always there in the boat. He’s the captain steering us to safe shores. Pray at the beginning and when, not if, we reach the Bocas, just steer the ship. Never give up on hope.

So, as we step further into this Jubilee Year, let’s take up the challenge of being digital pilgrims of hope—true Caribbean style. With faith as our sunscreen, discernment as our compass, and humour as our life vest, we can make our digital journey a joyful one.

And if all else fails, unplug for a while. Revel in silence and solitude. Sometimes, the best way to find God is to just sit on the shore, watch the waves roll by, and listen for His voice in the sweet Caribbean breeze.