Spotlight on the Young

A resource in twelve points on the accompaniment of young people has been published in view of the European Symposium (from March 28th to 31st). Prepared after an extensive consultation within a committee composed of representatives from five pastoral areas (catechesis, school, university, youth, and vocations), the “Reflection Aid Document,” intended for the more than 250 participants, is also available on the symposium’s website: http://symposium2017.ccee.eu/reflection-aid-document/.

The following topics, among others, are discussed: 1) Jesus and accompaniment; 2) Christian enthusiasm and God’s will; 3) Diversity and bridge-building; 4) Identity and life; 5) Community and family; 6) Family and Church; 7) Hope and fullness; 8) Joy and life; 9) Youth and language; 10) Accompaniment and the Holy Spirit; 11) Examination of conscience and witness; 12) Evangelization and Christ.

“Young people are crucial to the life of the Church and society! They have many gifts to share and that we should give value to: dedication, creativity, generosity, desire to get to know and welcome the other persons, or rather, a great desire to love and to be loved, to know the truth and adhere to it. They believe they can change the world, and it is right and good that they believe it,” says Msgr. Duarte da Cunha, Secretary General of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, He adds that “accompanying young people thus becomes a beautiful mission that Jesus has entrusted to us. It means for the one who accompanies, to follow the light of God along with young people. The life of the persons who accompany them does not need to be perfect, but they must look at God and live the present moment with commitment. Thus, even when a young person is to go beyond an obstacle, the one who accompanies will be able to give him/her a direction, a new perspective that may also become an attractive proposal, in contrast to consumerism that is unable to fill the human heart. The action of loving young people leads to testify by words and deeds that it is worthwhile going ahead, what is good and what is bad, and what is true happiness.”

The Secretary General of the Council of European Bishops Conferences also emphasizes that “we must take care not only of young people but also of the families and the communities, in order to make them increasingly ready to help and enthused by this mission to show Christ and walk with Him. This is why, in Barcelona, the program will include moments of prayer and the daily celebration of the Eucharist, during which we will pray for vocations and for the family.”