Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) - “The evangelisation of youth is one of the most important aspects of the Church’s missionary activity, since it involves handing on to the new generations the legacy of faith” Bishop Odilo Pedro Scherer, secretary general of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference said in an interview with regard to the subject discussed by the Bishops in a recent general assembly. Aware of the importance of the question the Bishops know they must reach a better understanding of youth of today in order to identify various ways of announcing the Gospel to them because “it would be a waste time and energy to look for one way of working with young people” Bishop Odilo said. Besides traditional methods new paths must be tried, such as new Church movements and communities. Still more important than finding the ideal path is to “approach young people with love, help them to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ”. “The Church looks at young people with deep love, understanding and patience” Bishop Odilo said. “Youth is synonymous with hope and future”, and “young people have the right to learn about the faith of their parents and to be led to believe like other young generations before them”.
The Bishops of Brazil will soon issue a brief Pastoral Letter on Evangelisation of Youth drafted by a commission of bishops and experts to encourage the whole Church to reflect on the question and make suggestions, taking into consideration present day society, its challenges and young people. “Globalisation, IT and cultural changes, - Bishop Odilo said -, mean problems and dangers but also new opportunities. We must put these new means to good use”. A serious problem is present-day culture in search of powerful experiences which touch sentiments and emotions but "the human person has not only a heart, but also a mind, ". Therefore "in the work of evangelisation it is necessary to keep in mind that many university students are attracted to science and technology and they have the right to be taught the fundamentals of faith so they realise there is no opposition between faith and reason”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 30/5/2006; righe 25, parole 365)
