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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". |