Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Canberra (Fides Service) - The family still has decisive influence on the religion of young people but widespread relativism robs them of sound moral and spiritual reference points according to a survey by the Christian Research Association among Australian teenagers. It emerged that family ties and parental example are still determinant for the young people’s choice to follow or abandon a spiritual life as a Christian.
The survey carried out in 2005 among 800 teenagers showed that most young people have only a scarce knowledge of religious matters of are indifferent to them and reluctant to answer existential questions on the meaning of life.
“There is a clear decline in faith in God closely connected with the post-modern idea that there is no such thing as One Truth”, says Philip Hughes who led the survey. “This relativist thought puts young people in crisis removing their traditional reference points generating vagueness, disorientation and uncertainty. This way of thinking offers no solutions to problems and difficulties encountered in life”.
Aware of this situation the Church in Australia is pinning great hopes on World Youth Day in Sydney 15-20 July in 2008 on the theme “You will have the power of the Holy Spirit and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1,8).
WYD the local Church says “will be an injection of spiritual values which will help young Australians rediscover Jesus Christ. It will give new life to Catholic communities and be a unique event for all Australians who will be challenged to reflect and review their life style”.
To counter growing secularism “WYD 2008 will encourage Australians to reflect on the great existential questions, the message of Jesus Christ. Young people are vulnerable. WYD will be an opportunity for them to stop and meditate on the life and death of Jesus Christ, his Gospel and his call to every person to follow Him”.
As part of preparations for the event Catholic youth delegates will meet 3 and 4 July 2006 in Sydney to share their experience and dreams with regard to Catholic Youth Ministry and reflect on the Scripture passage chosen by the Pope as the theme for the 23rd World Youth Day “You will have the power of the Holy Spirit and you will be my witnesses. (Acts 1,8). Speakers at the July Symposium will include bishops, clergy and lay experts in youth mission renowned in Australia and internationally, and participants will be mainly people in schools, catechists, vocations ministry, groups and movements as well as people in parish or diocesan youth ministry. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/4/2006 righe 33 parole 343)
