How respond to John Paul II's words to youth?

Youth, the World and Spirituality Today

1° Capitolo : Mondo Giovanile e Spiritualità nel Contesto di Oggi
English-speaking group: Sr. Grea Mendoza, DSFS, Fr. Cesar Dizon, SDB

1st question: For you, Youth of today, what can you say about these words of Pope John Paul II?

“ La vostra giovinezza non è solo proprietà vostra, proprietà personale o di una generazione: essa appartiene al complesso di quello spazio, che ogni uomo percorre nell’itenerario della sua vita, ed e al tempo stesso un bene speciale di tutti. E’ un bene dell’ umanità. ” –Delicti Amici

------- There’s one experience of Fr. Dizon that affirms this challenging words of the Pope (though he thought that these words of the Pope would be hard for them to understand) but I assured him that young people who could hear this are that intelligent enough to be penetrated. Like them in this story.
When he was in one area in Manila, he witnessed some young people in their youth years who really are giving themselves for their fellow youths in their “service” group initiatives. Like, recollection assemblies, reach-out for the less fortunate, youth get together which they spearhead the program, planning etc., (with somehow the assistance of some priests for some of their needs like confession or talks) . What struck him most is that these young people already “have something to say in their lives”, yet, they have this “ spark ” in their hearts to share their blessedness.
How about you, in this time of your “ tender youthfulness “ what can you share now that was not offered to you before perhaps, because you were still “incapable “, and in the future you might not have any occassion to do because you might have another focus in life? This present moment, what does it call you, for a challenge, my dear Youths ?


2nd question : “ Today, the Youth are in search of identity and such symbols to
express themselves ” (p.13)

As educators and as parents, what could be the “ modes ” or
“ art ” that we have to learn in order that we have this awareness
and knowledge and even “ insertion ” to their world?

What kind of listening we have?


------- Again, another story from our experienced “ story-priest “ .
There once a mom, who even in her cooking time wants to listen to her kids’ stories that made her put a couch in the kitchen!
And you, dear parents and educators, any familiar experience ?


Submitted by : Sr. Grea Mendoza, DSFS,