18/08/2026
FROM DOUBT TO THE SUMMIT: BENEDICTO CYRAL KONNE’S INSPIRING JOURNEY TO MT. WILHELM
By Benedicto Cyral Konne
Climbing Mt. Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea’s highest mountain, was not an easy journey for Benedicto Cyral Konne. Along the way, he faced exhaustion, self-doubt, hunger and moments when he wanted to turn back. But through faith, determination and the support of friends, he pushed forward and eventually reached the summit.
Reflecting on his experience, Konne said there were moments when quitting seemed like the easiest option.
“Yes, it was difficult. I really wanted to quit or turn back at some point, but I kept telling myself, ‘I can do it no matter what happens.’ After every step I took, I never stopped praying the Rosary. That was one of the biggest things that helped me keep going.”
For Konne, the climb taught him an important lesson about overcoming self-doubt and challenges.
“It taught me that I can overcome challenges, especially the feeling that I cannot do it or cannot make it to the top. Then I realised that I was not alone. I had friends walking beside me, giving me strength and motivating me to reach my destination.”
Tears of Joy at the Summit:
Reaching the summit was an emotional moment for Konne. By then, he had used almost all his energy, his food had run out and he had little or no water left.
“When I reached the summit, I was really exhausted. I had used up all my energy, my food had run out and I had no water to drink. But when I finally set foot on the highest point of Papua New Guinea, I forgot about everything. I simply enjoyed the view, with tears of joy in my eyes.”
His experience has also strengthened his belief that nothing is impossible when people combine faith with determination.
“Nothing is impossible. The strength is in each and every one of us. We just have to put it into practice with faith, and then we can see the outcome, whether we succeed or not. We should be willing to try, learn from our mistakes and correct ourselves.”
Although he wanted to quit, Konne reminded himself how far he had already come.
“I really wanted to quit, but I had already come so far. If I turned back, all the money I had spent on food and preparation would have been wasted. I kept telling myself, ‘If others can do it, I can do it.’ That motivated me to reach my destination and fulfil my dream.”
A Message to Young People:
Konne believes the journey toward any goal is filled with opportunities that people may never discover if they give up too early.
“There are so many undiscovered things beyond our imagination. It is all about not giving up on yourself and looking toward the brighter side. If you give up somewhere along your journey, you may never discover what is waiting for you or experience a golden opportunity that may come only once in a lifetime.”
He encouraged young people to keep moving forward and remain focused on their future.
“Never stop discovering your future. There are so many things you have never seen until you take that first step. Every step you take can make a big difference in your life. Your journey is still a long way ahead, so keep doing what is right. Don’t throw stones at barking dogs.”
Konne also stressed the importance of discipline and motivation.
“Young people may have courage, but discipline and motivation are also necessary. With these qualities, they can overcome challenges and achieve anything, anytime and anywhere. All they have to do is take one step at a time. You will never know what you are capable of until you try.”
“Don’t Wait to Feel Brave”
Konne’s final message to young people is simple but powerful: courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to keep moving despite fear and doubt.
“Don’t wait to feel brave. Take one step anyway. Courage isn’t about not being scared—it’s about moving forward even when you doubt yourself.
One small step today becomes the mountain you climbed tomorrow.
It’s like climbing Mt. Wilhelm. You don’t jump to the top. You simply put one foot in front of the other, breathe and keep going.
The view at the top is for the people who didn’t quit on step one.”
— Benedicto Cyral Konne
