BRAZIL, Ariel Stival via jumasbrasil.com.br •
Pope Francis called a Youth Synod, which will take place in 2018 under the theme “Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment” that came out of consultations with the bishops conferences.
The Synod of Bishops is a kind of consultation assembly for the Holy Father attended by representatives of the Catholic bishops’ conferences from all over the world, together with experts and several other people who are invited, primarily, to help in defining, contextualising and framing the chosen theme for the synod assembly.
As the Schoenstatt Boys Youth (JUMAS) in Brazil, young men who are active in society, we felt the need to contribute with reflections for this meeting. This is why, at the Ninth National Forum in Itaara-Rio do Sul, we addressed a letter to the Synod.
As were writing the letter to the Bishops Synod, we first expressed our deepest support for this important moment and our gratitude that they are listening to the youth. We also wrote about our reality, showing how the youth of Brazil react in various contexts, such as school, Church, and the family, and how we as Schoenstatters live in these environments with our Schoenstatt charism that enkindles and helps us in our self-education, making us better people who can help to change the world. At the end, we made ourselves available for the bishops to speak to us, so that in this way, we can continue to attract more youthful hearts so that through us, they can become instruments of salvation.
The JUMAS Brazil representative Lucas Galhardo took our letter to Rome, with a copy for Cardinal Baldisseri, the general secretary of the Synod, and a copy for Fr. Rafaele, who works in the Synod secretariat. “First of all, I want to say that I was very happy to know about this initiative and the letter itself made me even happier; it was very well written and it made me even prouder to be JUMAS,” said Lucas.
The intention of sending the letter to the bishops shows that we are connected to the synod and in communion with the Church. We are not a distinct branch; we are Schoenstatt, we are the Catholic Church and we are aware of this very important moment that is so special, not only for the youth, but for all realities. Lucas, who has served as the national JUMAS secretary, thinks that the Synod includes so much more than the youth movements. “I believe that this synod, which is focusing on youth, goes much further. I believe it will touch the whole Church and society,” Lucas said.
As Youth that is reaching out, that wants to take Christ to all parts of society; as Jumas Brazil, let us pray for this synod, be involved even more in the difficult realities of our parishes and to be Christ to those who need it.
Read the letter which the Youth sent to the Synod – in English
Original: Portuguese, 30/09/2017. Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Cape Town South Africa
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