FINAL CONCLUSIONS SYNOD OF YOUNG PEOPLE (October 3 - 28, 2018 ROME)

Three parts, twelve chapters, one hundred and sixty-seven paragraphs and 60 pages: this is how the Final Document of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is presented, on the theme “young people, faith and vocational discernment.” The text was approved by two-thirds of the Classroom, on the afternoon of October 27. The Document has been delivered into the hands of the Pope, who has then authorized its publication

It is the episode of the disciples of Emmaus, narrated by the evangelist Luke, the common thread of the Final Document of the Synod of Youth. Read in the Hall in alternate voices by the General Rapporteur, Card. Sérgio da Rocha, the Special Secretaries, Father Giacomo Costa and Don Rossano Sala, together with Mons. Bruno Forte, member of the Commission for the Drafting of the text, the Document is complementary to the Instrumentum laboris of the Synod, of which it resumes the division into three parts. Welcomed with applause, the text - said Cardinal da Rocha - is “the result of true teamwork” of the Synod Fathers, together with the other participants in the Synod and “in a particular way with the young people.” The Document therefore contains the 364 modes, that is, the amendments, that have been presented. “The majority of them – added the General Rapporteur – were precise and constructive.”

“I walked with them”
First of all, then, the Final Document of the Synod examines the context in which young people live, highlighting their strengths and challenges. It all begins with empathetic listening that, with humility, patience and availability, allows for true dialogue with youth, avoiding “pre-packaged answers and ready-made recipes.” Young people, intact, want to be “listened to, recognized, accompanied” and want their voice to be “considered interesting and useful in the social and ecclesial field.” The Church has not always had this attitude, the Synod recognizes: often priests and bishops, overloaded by many commitments, have difficulty finding time for the service of listening. Hence the need to adequately prepare lay people, men and women, who are capable of accompanying the young generations. Furthermore, in the face of phenomena such as globalization and secularization, children are moving towards a rediscovery of God and spirituality, and this should be a stimulus for the Church to recover the importance of the dynamism of faith.

The school and the parish
Another response of the Church to the questions of young people comes from the educational sector: schools, universities, colleges, oratories, allow a comprehensive formation of children, at the same time offering an evangelical testimony of human promotion. In a world where everything is connected - family, work, technology, defense of the embryo and the migrant - the bishops define as irreplaceable the role played by schools and universities, where young people spend a lot of time. In particular, Catholic educational institutions are called to confront the relationship between faith and the demands of the contemporary world, different anthropological perspectives, scientific and technical challenges, changes in social customs and the commitment to justice. The parish also has its role: “Church in the territory” needs to rethink its missionary vocation, because it is often of little significance and little dynamic, especially in the area of ​​catechesis.

Migrants, paradigm of our time
The Synod Document then focuses on the issue of migrants, “the paradigm of our time” as a structural phenomenon and not as a transitory emergency. Many migrants are young people or unaccompanied minors who flee war, violence, political or religious persecution, natural disasters, poverty, and end up being victims of trafficking, drugs, psychological and physical abuse. The concern of the Church is above all for them - says the Synod - in the perspective of authentic human promotion that involves the reception of refugees and fugitives, and is a point of reference for the many young people separated from their families of origin. But not only: migrants - the Document recalls - are also an opportunity for enrichment for the communities and societies to which they arrive and which can be revitalized by them. Therefore, the synodal verbs “welcome, protect, promote, integrate” resonate, indicated by Pope Francis for a culture that overcomes mistrust and fears. The bishops also ask for a greater commitment to guaranteeing those who would not want to migrate the effective right to remain in their own country. The attention of the Synod is also directed to the Churches that are threatened, in their existence, by forced migrations and persecutions suffered by the faithful.

Firm commitment against all types of abuse. Light in the truth and request for forgiveness
Then there is a broad reflection on the “different types of abuse” (of power, economic, conscience, sexual) committed by some bishops, priests, religious and lay people: in the victims – the text reads – they cause suffering that “can last a lifetime and that no repentance can remedy.” Hence the Synod's call for "a firm commitment to the adoption of rigorous prevention measures that avoid their repetition, to begin with the selection and training of those who will be entrusted with tasks of responsibility and education." Therefore, it will be necessary to eradicate those forms - such as corruption or clericalism - in which these types of abuses are grafted, also counteracting the lack of responsibility and transparency with which many cases have been managed. At the same time, the Synod expresses its gratitude to all those who “have the courage to immediately denounce evil,” because they help the Church “to become aware of what has happened and the need to react decisively.” “Mercy, in fact, demands justice.” We must not forget, however, the numerous lay people, priests, consecrated persons and bishops who dedicate themselves every day, honestly, to the service of young people, who can truly offer “precious help” for a “reform of historic magnitude” in this area.

The “Domestic Church” family
Other themes present in the Document have to do with the family, the main point of reference for young people, the first community of faith, “Domestic Church”: the Synod remembers, in particular, the role of grandparents in religious education and in the transmission of faith, and warns about the weakening of the paternal figure and of adults who assume “youthful” lifestyles. In addition to family, friendship with their peers counts a lot for young people because it allows them to share their faith and help each other in their testimony.

Promotion of justice “against the throwaway culture”
The Synod then focuses on some forms of vulnerability of young people in various areas: at work, where youth unemployment impoverishes the young generations, undermining their ability to dream; the persecutions to the death; social exclusion for religious, ethnic or economic reasons; the disability. Faced with this “throwaway culture”, the Church must call for conversion and solidarity, becoming a concrete alternative to situations of discomfort. On the opposite side, there is no shortage of areas in which the commitment of young people is expressed with originality and specificity: for example, volunteering, attention to ecological issues, commitment to politics for the construction of the common good, the promotion of justice, for which young people ask the Church for “a firm and coherent commitment.”

Art, music and sport, “pastoral resources”
The world of sport and music also offers young people the possibility of expressing themselves as best as possible: in the first case, the Church invites them not to underestimate the educational, formative and inclusive potential of sporting activity; In the case of music, on the other hand, the Synod focuses on its being “a pastoral resource” that also calls for a liturgical renewal, because young people have the desire for a “living liturgy”, authentic and joyful, a moment of encounter with God and with the community. "Young people appreciate authentic celebrations in which the beauty of the signs, the care of the preaching and the community commitment really speak of God": therefore, they must be helped to discover the value of Eucharistic adoration and to understand that "the liturgy is purely an expression of itself, but an action of Christ and the Church." The young generations, in addition, want to be protagonists of ecclesial life, taking advantage of their own talents, assuming responsibilities. Active subjects of pastoral action, they are the present of the Church, they must be encouraged to participate in ecclesial life, and not hindered with authoritarianism. In a Church capable of dialogue in a less paternalistic and more direct way, in fact, young people know how to be very active in the evangelization of their peers, exercising a true apostolate that must be supported and integrated into the life of the communities.

“Eyes were opened”
God speaks to the Church and the world through young people, who are one of the “theological places” in which the Lord is present. Carrier of a healthy concern that makes it dynamic – we read in the second part of the Document – ​​youth can be “more advanced than the shepherds” and that is why they must be welcomed, respected, accompanied. Thanks to it, in fact, the Church can renew itself, shaking off “the heaviness and slowness.” Hence the Synod's call to the model of “young Jesus among the young” and to the testimony of the saints, among whom there are many young people, prophets of change.

Mission and vocation
Another “safe compass” for youth is mission, a gift of self that leads to authentic and lasting happiness: Jesus, in fact, does not take away freedom, but rather liberates it, because true freedom is possible only in relation to truth and charity. Closely linked to the concept of mission is that of vocation: each life is a vocation in relationship with God, it is not the result of chance or a private good that is managed by itself - the Synod affirms - and every baptismal vocation is a call to holiness for all. Therefore, each person must live their own specific vocation in each area: profession, family, consecrated life, ordained ministry and permanent diaconate, which represents a “resource” that must still be fully developed.

The accompaniment
Accompanying is a mission that the Church must carry out on a personal and group level: in a world “characterized by an increasingly evident pluralism and an increasingly wide availability of options”, seeking together with young people a specific path to make definitive choices is a necessary service. Recipients are all young people: seminarians, priests or religious in formation, boyfriends and young husbands. The ecclesial community is a place of relationships and an environment in which, in the Eucharistic celebration, one is touched, instructed and healed by Jesus himself. The Final Document highlights the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation in the life of faith and encourages parents, teachers, animators, priests and educators to help young people, through the Social Doctrine of the Church, to assume responsibilities in the professional and socio-political field. The challenge in increasingly intercultural and multi-religious societies is to indicate in the relationship with diversity, an opportunity for mutual enrichment and fraternal communion.

No to moralisms and false indulgences, yes to fraternal correction
The Synod promotes, therefore, a comprehensive accompaniment focused on prayer and inner work that also values ​​the contribution of psychology and psychotherapy, when they are open to transcendence. “Celibacy for the Kingdom” – it is exhorted – must be understood as “a gift that must be recognized and verified in freedom, joy, gratuitousness and humility”, before the final election. Look for quality companions: balanced people, of listening, faith and prayer, who have measured themselves with their own weaknesses and frailties and who, therefore, are welcoming "without moralisms or false indulgences", knowing how to correct fraternally, far from possessive and manipulative attitudes. “This deep respect – the text reads – will be the best guarantee against the risks of plagiarism and abuse of any kind.”

The art of discernment
“The Church is the environment for discernment and conscience – write the Synod Fathers – is the place where the fruit of the encounter and communion with Christ is grasped”: discernment, through “a regular confrontation with a spiritual guide”, is therefore presented as a sincere work of conscience, “can only be understood as an authentic form of prayer” and “requires the courage to commit oneself to the spiritual struggle”. The proof of the decisions made is fraternal life and service to the poor. In fact, young people are sensitive to the dimension of diakonia.

“They left without delay”
Mary Magdalene, the first missionary disciple, healed of her wounds, witness to the Resurrection, is the icon of a young Church. The efforts and fragility of young people “help us to be better, their questions – it is read – challenge us, criticism is necessary because many times through them the voice of the Lord asks us for conversion and renewal.” All young people, even those with different visions of life, without exception, are in the heart of God. The Fathers emphasize the constitutive dynamism of synodality, that is, walking together: the end of the Assembly and the final document are only a stage, because the concrete conditions and urgent needs are different between countries and continents. Hence the invitation to Episcopal Conferences and particular Churches to continue the process of discernment in order to develop specific pastoral solutions.

Synodality, missionary style
“Synodality” is a style of mission that encourages us to move from I to we and to consider the multiplicity of faces, sensibilities, origins and cultures. In this horizon we must value the charismas that the Spirit gives to everyone, avoiding clericalism that excludes many from the decision-making processes and the clericalization of the laity that slows down the missionary impulse. Authority – it is hope – is lived from a perspective of service. Synodal should also be the focus of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, oriented towards mutual knowledge and the breaking down of prejudices and stereotypes, as well as the renewal of community and parish life to shorten the distance between young people-Church and show the intimate connection between faith and the concrete experience of life, it must also be synodal. The request reiterated in the Hall was formalized to establish, at the level of the Episcopal Conferences, a “Directory of youth ministry in a vocational key” that can help diocesan leaders and local agents to qualify their training and their action “with and for young people”, helping to overcome a certain fragmentation of the Church's pastoral care. The importance of WYD is reaffirmed, as well as that of youth centers and oratories, which, however, must be rethought.

The digital challenge
There are some urgent challenges that the Church is called to take on. The Final Document of the Synod deals with mission in the digital environment: an integral part of the daily reality of young people, a “square” where they spend a lot of time and where they are easily found, an essential place to reach and involve young people in pastoral activities, the web presents lights and shadows. If, on the one hand, it allows access to information, activates sociopolitical participation and active citizenship, on the other, it presents a dark side – the so-called dark web – in which loneliness, manipulation, exploitation, violence, cyberbulism and pornography are found. Hence the invitation of the Synod to inhabit the digital world, promoting communicative potential with a view to Christian proclamation, and to “impregnate” its cultures and dynamics with the Gospel. It is expected that Offices and organizations of culture and digital evangelization will be created that, in addition to "promoting the exchange and dissemination of good practices, can manage certification systems for Catholic sites, to counteract the spread of false news about the Church", emblem of a culture that "has lost its sense of truth", encouraging the promotion of "policies and tools for the protection of minors online."

Recognize and value women in society and in the Church
The document also shows the need for greater recognition and appreciation of women in society and in the Church, because their absence impoverishes the debate and the ecclesial path: there is an urgent need for change on the part of everyone - it reads - even from a reflection on reciprocity between the sexes. It is expected that “there will be a female presence in ecclesial bodies at all levels, including in positions of responsibility” and that “there will be female participation in ecclesial decision-making processes regarding the role of ordained ministry.” “It is a duty of justice” – the document states – that finds its inspiration in Jesus and the Bible.

Body, sexuality and affectivity
The Document dwells on the topic of the body, affectivity, and sexuality: in the face of scientific advances that raise ethical questions, phenomena such as digital pornography, sexual tourism, promiscuity, online exhibitionism, the Synod reminds families and Christian communities of the importance of making young people discover that sexuality is a gift. The sexual morality of the Church is often perceived as “a space of judgment and condemnation,” while young people seek “a clear, human and empathetic word” and “express an explicit desire for confrontation on issues related to the difference between masculine and feminine identity, reciprocity between men and women, homosexuality.” The Bishops recognize the Church's effort to transmit in the current cultural context "the beauty of the Christian vision of corporeality and sexuality": it is urgent to seek "more appropriate paths, which translate concretely into the development of renewed formative paths." “It is necessary to propose to young people an anthropology of affectivity and sexuality capable of giving the right value to chastity” for the growth of the person, “in all states of life.” In this sense, it is necessary to pay attention to the training of credible and mature pastoral agents from an affective-sexual point of view. The Synod also confirms the existence of “issues related to the body, affectivity and sexuality that require a deeper anthropological, theological and pastoral elaboration, which must be carried out in the most appropriate way and at the most appropriate levels, from the local to the universal.” Among them arise those related to the difference and harmony between masculine and feminine identity and sexual inclinations. “God loves each person and also the Church by renewing his commitment against all discrimination and violence for sexual reasons.” Likewise – the Document continues – the Synod “reaffirms the decisive anthropological importance of the difference and reciprocity between men and women and considers it reductive to define the identity of people based on their sexual orientation.” At the same time, it is recommended to “foster” the “paths of accompaniment in faith, already existing in many Christian communities,” for “homosexual people.” On these paths people are helped to read their own history; to adhere freely and responsibly to their own baptismal call; to recognize the desire to belong and contribute to the life of the community; to discern the best ways to achieve it. In this way we help each young person, without excluding anyone, to increasingly integrate the sexual dimension into their personality, growing in the quality of relationships and moving towards “the gift of self.”

Vocational accompaniment
Among the other challenges pointed out by the Synod is also the economic one: the invitation of the Fathers is to invest time and resources in young people with the proposal of offering them a period destined for the maturation of adult Christian life that "must allow a prolonged distance from habitual environments and relationships." Furthermore, while we wait for accompaniment before and after marriage, the creation of educational teams is encouraged, including female figures and Christian couples, for the formation of seminarians and consecrated people, also with the aim of overcoming tendencies towards clericalism. Special attention is required in the reception of candidates for the priesthood, which sometimes takes place "without adequate knowledge and a profound re-reading of their history": "relational and emotional instability, and the lack of ecclesial roots are dangerous signs. Neglecting ecclesial norms in this regard - write the Synod Fathers - constitutes irresponsible behavior, which can have very serious consequences for the Christian community."

Called to holiness
"Vocational diversities - concludes the Final Document of the Youth Synod - are brought together in the single and universal call to holiness. Unfortunately, the world is outraged by the abuses of some people in the Church, more than encouraged by the holiness of its members", which is why the Church is called to "a change of perspective": through the holiness of so many young people willing to renounce life in the midst of persecution to remain faithful to the Gospel, it can renew its ardor. spiritual and apostolic vigor.

The Pope's gift to the participants of the Synod
Finally, as a souvenir of the Youth Synod, the Holy Father gave all participants a bronze tile in bas-relief representing Jesus and the beloved young disciple. It is a work by the Italian artist Gino Giannetti, minted by the Vatican City State, issued in only 460 copies.
January 26, 2022

What is the Synod of Bishops on Young People that took place from October 3 to 28, 201, with bishops from all over the world, priests, lay people, teachers and other pastoral workers in Rome? Here you have more information about what the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops has been.

January 26, 2022

Do you know the website of the Synod on young people? Follow all the events through this link:

http://www.synod2018.va/content/synod2018/es.html

In it they describe the development of the meetings and events and also tell you daily anecdotes, such as, for example, the experience of Safa, a participant from Iraq in #Synod2018, who had to return home because his mother is sick and before leaving Pope Francis wanted to say goodbye to him with this hug.

Very interesting!!!

During the development of the Synod of Bishops on young people, Reports were presented to reflect on the first part of the Instrumentum Laboris.
These reports are born in light of the contributions that emerged during the debate held in previous General Congregations.

Below we publish the texts of the Reports in Spanish:
January 26, 2022

https://es.zenit.org/articles/sinodo-2018-informes-de-los-grupos-de-discusion-de-jovenes-texto-completo/
January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022

From October 3 to 28, 2018, bishops from around the world, priests, lay people, teachers and other pastoral agents are participating in Rome in the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to reflect on young people in the Church and how to rethink youth ministry in the face of new times. You can watch the live videos of the presentations and follow the event at this link: https://www.youtube.com And you can also stay informed on social networks through the hashtag: #Synod2018

What does the Pope ask of young people? Here we recommend three readings that delve into the answers to this question... to reflect

El último que ha visto la luz es 'Queridos jóvenes', de Herminio Otero: la obra recoge los textos del papa Francisco sobre jóvenes en estos primeros cinco años de pontificado, para ayudarles a ellos y a sus educadores y acompañantes a que sepan qué les está pidiendo el Papa con respecto a su propia vida en la Iglesia y en la sociedad.

The book is organized into seven thematic chapters, each of them completed with work and group proposals, and materials (prayers, songs, etc.) to internalize and express what has been reflected on and shared.

The proposal of Pagola and Such

En esta selección de títulos es imprescindible ‘Grupos jóvenes de Jesús 2', de José Antonio Pagola y el escolapio Carles Such. Se trata del segundo volumen de Grupos jóvenes de Jesús, una propuesta de encuentro con Jesús de Nazaret, para suscitar caminos de evangelización que acaben generando procesos personales de conversión, con un lenguaje, símbolos y encuentros con el Evangelio que sintonicen con la vida diaria de los jóvenes.

What is youth like today?

Pero, ¿quiénes son estos jóvenes? ¿Cómo es la juventud hoy? La retrata de manera científica y seria el sociólogo Juan María González-Anleo, en ‘Generación selfie': "Este libro -explica él mismo- nace ante todo para dar testimonio de una generación que muy probablemente esté empezando a desaparecer, señales suspendidas en el aire, de que los jóvenes están despertando de un largo sueño".

January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022

On Wednesday, October 3, Pope Francis celebrated Holy Mass in St. Peter's Square with which he inaugurated the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, dedicated to the theme of young people, faith and vocational discernment; in which he gave a warm welcome to the two bishops of Mainland China who "for the first time can participate in a Synod"; also expressing his deep desire that "this new ecclesial meeting may be capable of broadening horizons, dilating the heart and transforming those structures that today paralyze us, separate us and distance us from our young people, leaving them out in the open and orphaned of a community of faith that sustains them, of a horizon of meaning and life." (cfr. Exhortación a los Apóstoles Evangelii Joydium, 49)".

In the afternoon, around 4:30 p.m. local time in Rome, the initial prayer and greeting from the Pope took place in the Vatican Synod Hall, officially opening this synodal meeting that will last until October 28.

The Pontiff began his speech by thanking the presence of the young people “whose strength emanates positivity and enthusiasm, capable of invading and animating not only this room, but the entire Church and the entire world”; At the same time, he showed his gratitude to all the people "who throughout two years of preparation - here in the Church of Rome and in all the Churches of the world - have worked with dedication and passion to bring us to this moment."

Free dialogue also with new technologies

Likewise, the Pope dedicated a special thought to the young people who participate in the Synod connected through Social Networks and new forms of technology that allow, in one way or another, "to express their voices", since - Francis said - "it is worth feeling part of the Church or entering into dialogue with it; it is worth having the Church as a mother, as a teacher, as a home, as a family, which despite human weaknesses and difficulties, is capable of shining and transmitting the eternal message of Christ."

On the other hand, the Bishop of Rome highlighted that the Synod we are experiencing “is a time to share”, which is why he invited everyone to speak with courage and parrhesia, that is, integrating freedom, truth and charity; because - he said - "only dialogue can make us grow as a Church, since honest and transparent criticism is constructive and helpful, while useless talk, rumors, inferences or prejudices are not."

Courage to speak and humility to listen

"The Synod must be an exercise in dialogue, especially between those who participate in it. And the first result of this dialogue is that each one opens up to the new, to change their opinion thanks to what they have heard from others," Francis added, emphasizing that we feel free to welcome and understand others, and thus change our beliefs and positions; “It is a sign of great human and spiritual maturity.”

“It is worth feeling part of the Church or entering into dialogue with it; it is worth having the Church as a mother, as a teacher, as a home, as a family, which despite human weaknesses and difficulties, is capable of shining and transmitting the eternal message of Christ”

The Pope also reflected on the Synod as a “ecclesial exercise of discernment.”

“Openness in speaking and openness in listening are fundamental for the Synod to be a process of discernment,” said the Successor of Peter, ensuring that discernment “is not an advertising slogan, it is not an organizational technique, nor a fashion of this pontificate, but rather an interior attitude rooted in an act of faith.”

January 26, 2022

Source: Vatican News

January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022