Look to young heroes of faith – Vicar General

At the Catholic Youth Commission’s Stakeholders meeting on July 1, Vicar General Msgr Christian Pereira gave a brief outline of the Synod of Bishops 2018. This is a meeting of bishops, advisers, and relevant support network. This meeting will take place in October 2018 in anticipation of World Youth Day in Panama in January 2019.

Msgr Pereira introduced the papal document, Young People, the Faith, and Vocation Discernment, highlighting the key points in it. This document is also the theme of the synod.

He also spoke of young heroes of the faith who should be held up as models for today’s youth: Sts Francisco and Jacinta, newly canonised in May; the Ugandan martyrs; and St Maria Goretti. He quoted St John Paul II who spoke of young people as “the architects of the new civilisation of love”.

Msgr Pereira also lamented the lack of good mentorship in our society today, referencing Msgr Harvey’s response to being robbed by a group of young men, and pointing to our idolising of money as the chief cause of brokenness in society. He called on all people to be cautious of the misuse of technology, knowledge, and power, and to work on cultivating deep and healthy relationships amidst the superficial connections brought about by social media.

The Youth Commission wishes to thank our Vicar General for taking the time to address and encourage our youth and young adults. – CYC