February 8, 2013. (Romereports.com) During its plenary session, the
Pontifical Council for Culture made it a point to discuss some of the issues and problems young people are dealing with.
Cardinals attending the meeting said that speaking to the youth, listening to their issues, and offering a different point of view, brought them closer to some of the
challenges younger generations face.
CARD. PETER ERDÖ Archbishop of Budapest (Hungary)
“Sometimes consumerism is presented as the culture of the youth. A consumerism where through social pressures, those who want to define their identity try to do so through symbols and name brands that eventually everyone has.”
Cardinal Peter Erdo said that despite these real social pressures, young people, through formation and inner strength, can often overcome some of these challenges.
CARD. PETER ERDÖ
Archbishop of Budapest (Hungary)
“Even when personal and even psychological liberty are suppressed and left with little room to grow, there is always a glimmer of hope, embedded in the soul of everyone.”
The meetings also touched on social problems, where young people grow up with high insecurities, violence or even drug use.
CARD. JUAN SANDOVAL ÍÑIGUEZ
Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara (Mexico)
“A 15 year old teenager tells me: 'if I have to live an entire life of hunger and with no one around... well maybe it's better to take an illegal route and have money for two or three years. Even if I get killed, I will have lived those years with money and power.' So with this mentality they join a gang.”
As far as solutions, Cardinal Sandoval says the Church should have a higher presence online and in social networks. It should also promote youth training and have activities to fight laziness.
The Vatican says it's committed to the future. Proof of that is the fact that this is the first plenary session where young adults are invited to speak. Understanding the youth is a way to bring God to younger generations.
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