Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Roma (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Church in South Africa has launched a special programme called “Youth Alive”, to promote comprehensive wellbeing of young people.
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale di Johannesburg, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference SACBC presented the initiative on 28 April.
In his address the Archbishop encouraged the young to devote all their energy to self-development and to serving others.
Archbishop Tlhagale emphasised the value of education, explaining that it helps each person to develop the potential to live life fully. “It fosters discipline, self-esteem and dedication.”
Faith in Jesus Christ, the Archbishop said, is the foundation all virtue and values. “Christ is the corner stone, the basis, the foundation, the source of inspiration and strength. Christ lives in me through baptism and confirmation when give his Spirit.”
In a region devastated by HIV/AIDS, Archbishop Tlhagale asked the young people to be take great care and so help stop the pandemic. “For many it limits, diminishes opportunities, introduces new and serious health problems too early, this is why you must be wise and make the right decisions in life.”
“Youth is a time of preparing for the future - he said- but how? By concentrating, maintaining your energy, keeping your eyes in one direction, looking at the models around you, thinking how you can serve ” Mgr. Tlhagale suggested. (AP) (12/5/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:23; Parole:251)
