A love story: Eucharistic love

My name is Jaython Samaroo, 17 years old, and I’m a Catholic convert. Not something you’ll usually see, most teenagers are sceptical, battling with their faith, but I felt called, and maybe this story can inspire those who are challenged with their faith.

Six or seven years ago, was when I first recalled being sceptical with my faith in Christ. Yup, I started questioning early, most teens/tweens do, some just don’t make it known.

I was born and raised Pentecostal, with numerous burning unanswered questions, no shade towards that denomination, but there was a theological burden on me as a kid obsessed with science, trying to reason with a Being that, at the time, felt far removed from what we as a human race experience. With the pandemic rippling through lives and shutting the doors to the churches, my heart also was shut away from the church and from Christ.

I no longer felt this undying love I had for Him, and over the years as I entered secondary school, reading and learning more about our universe and seeing catastrophe befall me, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact of an all-loving God existing.

I felt like a Trini young Sheldon. I couldn’t reason with it and so I denied it and tried to convince others to deconstruct this ‘fairytale’ and accept reality. One specific thing I targeted most was the Catholic Church. I couldn’t reason with “those people” the most out of all Christians and religions. Ironic, I know.

When darkness became my only friend

Calamity hit my own life. Post-pandemic, my family suffered financial blows, and my household became divisive and difficult to live in. My grades plummeted, relationships and friendships failed or started to collapse, and my father contracted a life-threatening illness. My life had no purpose.

At this point, I became stuck in my head, and it seemed as though darkness was my only friend (ref Psalm 88). I became suicidal and tried to end my life. I was 15 at this time.

However, in the process of attempting to end my own life, I experienced what I can only believe to be a miracle itself. A voice, telling me to stop, a voice with care and tender love, a voice that was unfamiliar and a voice that called me. “I have a plan for you to do great things for Me,” is the last thing I heard. I never understood it but it delayed my attempt to end my life.

A search for truth

I was interested, intrigued and I wanted to figure out if I was hearing things, or if I had just experienced a miracle itself and what does this ‘voice’ want with me?

I embarked on searching through religions, reading their texts and much more, I wanted an answer. I wasn’t convinced of anything just yet, but I know something must and will convince me.

Welcome home, son

It was during my first Lenten retreat when the church was dark, and Adoration and Benediction took place where I felt a peace and the warmth of a Father calling me home. It was here I was convinced the voice that called me was Christ.

After years of fleeing from His face, I came back and asked for Him to welcome me into the light of His presence. I fell to my knees and worshipped. I had never been so overwhelmed before. It was only a wafer I said to myself. How can I be so moved by something faceless?

I had never submitted myself to anything the way I had here. Tears ran down my cheeks, and I could only hear the comforting voice I had been searching for, brushing my earlobe saying, “Welcome home, son.”

Finding purpose through the Eucharist

April 19, 2025, almost a year ago from when I was writing this, I received the sacraments of the Church and returned home. I returned to Him. The Father called me home since I tried to take things into my own hands. I am the prodigal son who has been waited for. He wanted me and I listened because I knew that my life would be better in His hands, not in my own. I kept myself humble and listened to His call.

From conversion to mission

Today, I am a member of the Youth SVP in my parish. I have been responsible for the conversion of a person and reaching out to many, not because I wish to be glorified but because I allow Him to work through me to help those who are suffering.

He said I’ll do great things for Him, I only can say what I have done for Him. I cannot say if they are great or small; I can only say what I have done and what I strive to do is for the Glory of God and I’m excited to do so much more.

Hope for the lost and struggling

In the Eucharist, I found hope in desolation, and even if you think God is far from you, He’s not. He’s waiting for you, that faceless Bread you don’t seem to care for, is your Creator waiting for you, the prodigal son or daughter to come to Him, in His arms and warm embrace. You’re in the right Church.

I hope this story reaches many who are lost and can’t see their way. To those who are struggling with their mental health and think death is the only option, I promise you it’s not. Remember your feelings are valid, no matter how big or small, reach out if you struggle.

Remember, if I chose death, many would not be blessed with my story today. If I chose it, many would not be touched by the wonders I have done for them through Christ Jesus who works through me.

God is calling you home. He is telling you He has a plan for you, to do great things through you. Listen to His calling.

I am His servant and I do His bidding forever. He must increase; I must decrease. To the God of Glory who saved my life and brought me home, I give praise, honour, and thanksgiving for eternity. Amen.