NBVM Novena Day 6: Youth- the Present Church

During his homily on the 6th Day of Novena focusing on Youth, Fr. Simon said that very often we think of youth as the future of the church but they are the present church – the energy of the church with a passion to serve. He explained that our youths neither like structure nor position, but they have the passion to serve. This is evident outside the church where our youth is active but they are not active in the church because we do not give them room to serve. The recent Synodal survey revealed that most youth felt they were just used as manual labour. They did not feel included.

We have to include our Youth. We need to care for our youth- listen to their issues and concerns. What may seem trivial to us may seem overwhelming to them. We have to listen with our hearts to their pain and frustrations. Our youth have a lot on their plate- whether they are students or working, life is not easy for them. Very often we stifle them with our dreams and goals instead of giving them autonomy to choose even their career in life.

Fr. Simon, in reflecting on the Gospel Luke (6-26)- the Beatitudes,  said youth need a model- someone who shows them to live a purpose-filled life. He then told the story of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati deemed the ‘man of the Beatitudes” and a role model for youths by Pope John Paul II. Pier comes from an affluent family but gave away what he had to the poor. He even gave away his pocket money to the poor. He was pious and championed social justice through active participation in SVDP and Youth Groups. He was a go-giver – thus Fr. Simon urged the youth to be a go-giver instead of a go-getter. At the end of the sermon, the youth were lifted up in prayer as the hymn to the Holy Spirit was sung and Hail Mary recited.

During the announcement, Fr. Dom thanked the youth for their participation in mass and hoped that despite their aversion to structure, the youth would find ways to be creative and work around the structure.

NBVM YOUTH- We Prayed for you