By Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA –
The unprecedented eruption of awful corona virus took me in thoughts to my young friends. In the midst of Covid-19, listening to a few youngsters over the phone and other means of communication, I was able to perceive, in many of them, a proactive kind of response with readiness to wait patiently. The other day, Joe, a young boy spoke to me at length. He met Cathy, the sweet heart of his dream recently. Both their families have fixed 14th April 2020 for the engagement. The complete lock-down due to covid-19 has put a momentary lock-down on their engagement too. “Now we have to wait and see how things will unfold when the lock-down is lifted,” said the Joe. Your real engagement has already taken place in your heart, the day you met each other was all that I could tell the youngster at that moment.
To get to know the other person
It is absolutely important to get to know the other person before taking up a commitment to choose him/her as your marriage partner. It is worthwhile to get to know the other person in his/her day-today life and relationship with family and friends. Setting aside quality time is the secret mantra for success in getting to know someone deeper. Becoming aware of and accepting each other’s differences, having the courage to call things by name, measuring one’s ability to sacrifice one’s time, energy for the other, having the determination to be with each other even when things go wrong etc. are all important in the process of getting to know the other. Allowing the Holy Spirit to mould our character as persons and as partners is very much required. In the process of getting to know the other person, you discover the inner beauty, the genuine character of the other and the core values.
To be loved by someone
I had been reflecting much on the topic of friendship that has a powerful influence on youngsters. Friendship is influenced by various factors like environment, the family background, culture, religion, parental control/permission, societal norms and above all the upbringing of a person. Today, there is growing openness from the part of parents. The burning question is: How much our teenagers are prepared to face the challenges of friendship?
Everyone is aware of the instability that is part of a teen’s life caused by the strong hormonal urges. Being with friends is typical of teenagers. A number of questions flood the hearts of youngsters within the circle of friendships. To be loved by someone and to let someone to love requires courage and determination.
A peep into from teenage adulthood
The Covid-19 reality has made the whole world more than ever a true global village. Communication for common good has become rapid and effective. Tree days ago, I received a communication from Fr. Joby Mathew ssp: “Your book ‘From Teenage to Adulthood’ is now available on Amazon kindle. You may kindly circulate it among your contact list. The same is available on Amazon.com”
From Teenage to Adulthood contains sessions responding to queries of youngsters who frequented our seminars at Don Bosco, Koregoan Park, Pune. Those youngsters raised amazing questions that deeply touched their lives and we felt the urgency to reflect with them. The main parts of this book consist of:
1. Career and Goal Setting,
2.Teens and Difficult Emotions,
3. Teens and Love Relationships.
4. Teens and Sexual Maturity and 5.Teens and Spirituality.
The book will offer you tips to deepen your friendship and make a difference. You can pick up a copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Teen-Age-Adulthood-Benzeloo-Teixeria-SDB-ebook/dp/B00JB2DAIW
From Teen-Age to Adulthood Kindle Edition
The art of remaining in love
It is praiseworthy to find a boy and a girl who can really get along with each other, have fun together, be good companions and commit to each other in marriage. In the context of the global pandemic of Corona virus, families together with their sons and daughters are modifying plans to celebrate engagements, weddings, birthdays, significant anniversaries etc. It is worth pondering on the words of Pope Francis: “We can only get out of this situation together, humanity together.” The period of waiting is a fruitful and enriching period. If you can, please pick up a copy from Teenage to Adulthood and let its pages speak to your heart.