At the opening of the Roman Catholic Synod at the National Arena, young people were encouraged to be bold, embrace their values, and rise above the many challenges they face in today’s society. Father Charles Dufour challenged the youth to reject negative influences, prepare themselves through education, and rely on faith to overcome issues such as drug use, unemployment, and sexual harassment. He reminded them that real strength lies in daring to be different and standing up for what is right.
Published, Monday, 6, 1985
– Youths challenged to overcome obstacles as …
The Roman Catholic Synod opened at the National Arena yesterday with the youths being challenged to be firm in their determination to overcome the obstacles that beset them.
The challenge came from Rev Father Charles Dufour, rector of St Michael’s Seminary, who said that the problems young people faced loomed large before them. The synod’s theme is ‘Youth Facing the Challenges of Renewal in the Church and Society’.
Father Dufour said the youths must not be swayed by the crowds but must dare to be different and stand up for what they believed in.
They had to dare to be different by living out their values. He urged them to prepare themselves for living by taking advantage of educational opportunities rather than wasting time while in school and trying to make up for it by going to evening classes.
“You must dare to be different, prepare yourselves, and look consistently to God,” Fr Dufour said. Faith, the word of God and prayer, he said, were ammunition to face the “giants” of drug abuse, unemployment, an inadequate educational system, teenage pregnancy, and sexual harassment.
The clergyman said that, though the giants towered above the young people, the situation was not hopeless. He cited the example shown by David in the Bible, stating that it was a lie to believe that they would be accepted if they emulated all that others did. Respect came only when they consistently stood up for their beliefs. The society was in need of individuals who would dare to be different and who would not perpetuate the bad aspects of the existing system.
Speaking on the use of ganja among the young, Fr Dufour said it had become a way of life for many of them. He was concerned about the fact that it had increasingly become the stepping stone to the use of hard drugs. He pointed to the problems of the use of cocaine in high schools and at house parties where it was being put in drinks. He described the use of ganja as one of the giants plaguing society today.
Father Dufour was also critical of the playing of pinball by the young. He said some of the young people worshipped and prostrated themselves before the pinball machines, which they saw as the most important objects in their lives. Many who lost their money “in this useless exercise” had turned to gambling, which they believed was their salvation.
He urged the youths to assist in strengthening the weak family structure in society. As a result of that weak structure, far too many of the young were left on their own or living with strangers and other members of the family. This, he said, pointed a stern finger to explain many of the harrowing cases of incest and sexual abuse. He also attributed the problem of teenage pregnancy to the weak family structure.
Sexual harassment of young women in the workplace had reached a pitiful degree in society, he said. The women were faced with a situation of playing the game or leaving.
He called on the women not to give in, but to let their bosses see that there was something noble in them.
The priest also pointed to the inadequate educational system which was affecting the youth. According to him, for the most part, the school structure had nothing to do with building character. He said that, because of the problem of unemployment after leaving school, many questioned where they should go when they could use the knife or the gun. The gunmen, he said, had become heroes for some of the young and “this giant must go”.
The problem of the youth staying away from the Church and the difficulties in the relationship with older people were highlighted by Gabrielle Peat, chairman of the Synod Commission. Ways must be found to prevent the youth from straying from the Church and to improve the relationship with the old, she said, adding that the young people were the hope of the church. The church needed the blend of the talent of the young and the experience and wisdom of the old.
The session opened with renditions from the 150-strong youth choir comprising young people from the various parishes. A special feature of the synod is the display of work by youth in the church and the youth tribute to Mary. The biblical story of the rich young man was mimed by a group of young people.
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