The Mission of Youth Today

June 18, 2011 was a special day for 63 young people in Itanhém, Bahia, in the northeast region of Brazil. Sisters Marli Terezinha da Silva, Maria Olga de Oliveira, and Neiva Frigotto facilitated a meeting whose theme was, “The Mission of Youth in the World of Today.”  Various group dynamics were used including songs, sharing, reflection and personal prayer.

The goal of the meeting was to support and enhance the commitment of these youth to life, family, community and to their other involvements, such as helping youth to stay away from criminal activities. 

During the meeting, the young people shared their struggles in building a just society filled with peace, hope, faith, forgiveness and respect for human dignity.  The participants were challenged to make a difference where they live, performing concrete actions to help others, especially the needy. 

The participants were welcoming and able to listen and share life, as well as heighten their awareness of the reality and the world where they live.  They committed themselves to helping other youth to discover the true meaning of life and the joys of being a group of youth who shape their own lives. 

Sister Adelide Canci (Lagoa Vermelha, Brazil)