We are Rich

"This song was not written in silence but in the heart of a village, surrounded by the voices of a people who know the meaning of true wealth. I have seen poverty, but I have also seen the kind of richness that no money can buy—the wealth of shared laughter, of hands that lift each other up, of faith that carries us through. We live in a world that tells us we must own more to be happy. But I have learned that when we give, we lack nothing. This song is a celebration of that truth. Sing it with joy, with open hands, with the knowledge that we are rich—not in gold, but in love." (Père Amari, S. J.)

A Feast of Joy: When Père Amari Wrote "We Are Rich"

The smell of roasted plantains and simmering stew filled the air as Père Amari made his way through the crowded village square in Kinshasa. The sun was setting, casting golden light over the gathering of families, children laughing as they chased each other around makeshift tables. Tonight was a community meal—a tradition in the neighborhood where Père Amari served. No one was turned away. Whatever people had, they brought. A handful of rice, a few vegetables, freshly baked bread. Some had nothing to give but their presence, their songs, their laughter—and that was enough.

As he helped an elderly woman find a seat, he caught sight of young Emmanuel sitting by himself, staring at the meal in front of him without eating. Père Amari knelt beside him.

"Is something wrong, my friend?" he asked gently.

Emmanuel hesitated, then looked up. "Père Amari… I wish I could have more."

Père Amari smiled. "More of what?"

"More food, more things… I see others with nice shoes, toys, books. I want to be rich like them."

The priest placed a hand on Emmanuel’s shoulder and gestured around them. "Look at this feast. Look at the hands that prepared it, the voices singing, the hearts sharing. Tell me, do you see anyone going hungry tonight?"

Emmanuel shook his head.

"And do you see joy?"

A small smile crept onto the boy’s face. "Yes."

"Then you are already rich," Père Amari said. "Not in money, but in love, in faith, in family. That is the kind of wealth no one can take from you."

Later that night, as the fire crackled and people swayed to the rhythm of the drums, Père Amari sat on a wooden bench, tapping his hands against his knees. The conversation with Emmanuel lingered in his heart, and suddenly, a melody formed in his mind. A rhythm—joyful, pulsing with life. He grabbed his small notebook and scribbled the first words:

"No walls can hold the love we share,
No gold can match the joy that’s there.
In hands that give, in hearts that shine,
We find a treasure, rich and divine."

The words flowed as he watched the community around him—how the poorest among them were the most generous, how those with little gave everything.

He stood and clapped his hands, beginning to hum. A few children gathered around him, curious. "Sing with me!" he encouraged, and soon, voices joined in. The rhythm grew stronger, feet tapped, hands clapped.

By the time the night ended, We Are Rich had been born—not as a song he wrote alone, but as a song they had all created together.

A vibrant and rhythmic song on the Jesuit vow of poverty, written from the perspective of a young and energetic Jesuit priest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The song is filled with the joy of community, featuring dynamic percussion, uplifting choral harmonies, and traditional African instrumentation such as djembe and balafon. The melody is celebratory and inviting, evoking the warmth of shared meals, the laughter of children, and the strength of faith-filled communities. The lyrics focus on the richness of relationships, the power of giving, and the joy of a life lived in service. The song is a call to dance, sing, and rejoice in the abundance that comes through simplicity and solidarity.

“We are Rich”
by Père Amari, S. J.

(Verse 1 – Bright, rhythmic, inviting claps and percussion)
No walls can hold the love we share,
No gold can match the joy that’s there.
In hands that give, in hearts that shine,
We find a treasure, rich and divine.

(Pre-Chorus – Voices rising in harmony)
One bread, one song, one family,
When we have love, we have all we need!

(Chorus – Full, celebratory, call-and-response)
Oh, we are rich! (We are rich!)
In love, in faith, in unity! (Unity!)
We have enough! (We have enough!)
When we give, we are truly free!

(Verse 2 – Steady rhythm, joyful energy)
A shared meal turns into a feast,
When all are welcome, none are least.
The smallest gift, the open hand,
Brings heaven’s joy to every land.

(Pre-Chorus – Repeat, stronger)
One bread, one song, one family,
When we have love, we have all we need!

(Chorus – Repeat with dancing, energy building!)
Oh, we are rich! (We are rich!)
In love, in faith, in unity! (Unity!)
We have enough! (We have enough!)
When we give, we are truly free!

(Bridge – Spoken rhythm, clapping intensifies, voices layered in harmony)
Not in silver, not in gold,
But in the stories we have told.
Not in fortune, not in land,
But in the strength of hand in hand!

(Final Chorus – Explosive joy, dancing, singing!)
Oh, we are rich! (We are rich!)
In love, in faith, in unity! (Unity!)
We have enough! (We have enough!)
When we give, we are truly free!

(Outro – Fading voices, heartbeat percussion, soft choral echo)
When we give, we are truly free…