M L Satyan –
As India celebrates its 78th year of Independence, the challenges faced by the youth remain significant. Issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, human trafficking, and psychological pressures from broken family systems and workplace stress are prevalent. This raises the question: Is the situation different for Catholic youth?
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with several Catholic youth who were raised in traditional Catholic families, nurtured in a religious environment, and educated in Catechism. Despite this foundation, many expressed disillusionment with the Church. Key concerns included the perception of meaningless rituals, superficial celebrations of festivals, a dictatorial attitude from clergy, neglect of youth and laity, a lack of transparency in church administration, and the troubling issue of clerical sexual abuse.
The Pope’s Call to Action
Pope Francis, during the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, delivered a powerful message that resonates today. He stated, “I want a mess. I want trouble in the dioceses. I want to see the local church getting closer to the people.” This call was not a condemnation but an invitation for youth to engage actively in the Church, challenging the status quo and fostering a closer connection to the community.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the inequalities in the world and urged the youth not to succumb to discouragement. “Never yield to discouragement, do not lose trust and do not allow your hope to be extinguished,” he said, reminding them of their vital role in the Church and society.
Embracing the Challenge
Pope Francis has consistently advocated for a Church that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of its members. He criticized the “culture of selfishness and individualism,” calling on those with resources to share and support the marginalized. His actions reflect a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion, aligning with the core values of Catholicism.
In light of this, Catholic youth are encouraged to interpret the Pope’s words as a mandate for personal and social transformation. They must embrace their potential as catalysts for change within the Church.
Leadership and Engagement
Church leaders in India must heed the Pope’s call and actively involve youth in shaping the future of the Church. This includes encouraging their participation in decision-making processes and recognizing their contributions to parish life.
Here are some actionable suggestions for Catholic youth to foster positive change in their parishes and dioceses:
Involvement in Planning: Advocate for inclusion in planning and decision-making committees to implement developmental projects that benefit the poorest members of society.
Resource Mobilization: Encourage the use of church properties to generate income, focusing on local resource mobilization to achieve self-reliance within the parish.
Sustainable Development: Urge the diocesan administration to prioritize simple, eco-friendly construction projects over extravagant building initiatives, ensuring that resources are directed towards community needs.
Transparency in Finances: Demand transparency by requesting the circulation of annual reports and audited accounts within parishes, fostering trust and accountability.
Liturgical Participation: Take an active role in liturgical committees to ensure that celebrations are meaningful, participatory, and reflective of the community’s culture.
Minimising Extravagance: Propose a reduction in extravagant celebrations during festivals, redirecting efforts towards community service initiatives that have a lasting impact, such as health camps and educational support for the underprivileged.
Accountability Measures: Establish an annual performance appraisal system for parish priests and bishops to enhance accountability and ensure responsible leadership.
A Call to Serve
In the spirit of Swami Vivekananda’s call to action, Catholic youth are urged to serve their communities with zeal and enthusiasm. They are reminded that true fulfillment comes from serving others and addressing the needs of those who are marginalized and suffering.
Pope Francis’ vision for a Church that is vibrant, inclusive, and actively engaged with the world is a challenge for today’s Catholic youth. By embracing their role as catalysts of change, they can help transform the Church into a beacon of hope and service, embodying the true essence of their faith. In doing so, they will not only revitalize their own spiritual lives but also inspire others to join in the mission of Christ.