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The situation of the young people we meet in various
culture contexts differs greatly. Yet, there are common features.
Everywhere is a rapid development of the world of youth. It is becoming a
conviction that the phase of youth is not just a transitory stage of life,
but a condition to be specially considered on account of its own
characteristic questions and restlessness. This status of the youth is
intrinsically entwined with their hopes, their dreams and potentialities
that calls out…
Everywhere in the world, we find restlessness among youth.
In the various contexts, it takes different names, but it calls on us to
pay attention and to care for this "suffering of the young people".
Sometimes it is called exploitation at other times unemployment, at other
times drug addiction or other forms of dependence. It is also named as
materialism ~ the great "emptiness" that in wealthier countries is
characterised by a life dominated by comfort, by the craving for
'everything' and by an immediate culture, up to the point of silencing the
deep yearnings for God. In the poorer countries it is manifested by
gravitation towards comforts, towards whatever fills the desire to live.
Magdalene is to be presented to the youth in the framework
of her experience of life and her witness to the Gospel…
She, taken up by the meaning of life begins to search for
what give more meaning to her existence. She allows herself to be
challenged by God and the poor… she helps those who suffer and need a
helping hand.
Magdalene, expresses her zest for life through her great
capacity to love ~ her heart is satisfied only with the GREATEST LOVE. She
loves God with the energy of youthful exuberance and "she loses her head"
for the Lord. She is ultimately unafraid of the world, of what people will
say…
Adapted from "Basic Guidelines for Canossian
Youth Ministry".
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