We will always be close to the people with whom we work, taking into account their values and aspirations. To seek out new ways for the Word of God to reach their hearts often calls for daring; to present Gospel demands in all clarity should never intimidate us.
CC&RR. Constitution 8
In our bicentenary we have looked back at 200 years of missionary graces as a result of our founding vision. The aim of the celebration, however, is not to focus on the past but to receive an impulse for the next 200 years. The meeting on Oblate Ministry with Young People has certainly begun this process! Their focus is on the missionary principle that permeated all St Eugene’s closeness to people: “We must lead people to act like human beings, first of all, and then like Christians, and, finally, we must help them to become saints.”
The goal of mission with youth would closely follow Eugene’s vision in each of these categories. Below is a draft proposal of the approach they would like to take. It still needs to be worked on and finally approved, but the ongoing committee is happy to give us a preview.
Three Goals of Oblate Ministry with Young People
Following St. Eugene De Mazenod’s inspiration we are guided by three goals:
In becoming HUMAN we seek to foster the total personal (psychological, intellectual, emotional, physical, social and spiritual) growth of each young person; helping them to recognise their dignity and the dignity of others.
In becoming CHRISTIANS we seek to draw young people to responsible and active participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
In becoming SAINTS we seek to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ through the Oblate charism, fully human and fully alive, in our world today.
The Mazenodian Family looks forward to hearing lots more about this in the future – and learning from our younger brothers and sisters.
“To fulfil the dreams of one’s youth; that is the best that can happen to a person. No worldly success can take the place of that.” Willa Cather
“We must lead people to act like human beings, first of all, and then like Christians, and, finally, we must help them to become saints.” I remember the first time I heard this – it hit me like a lightening bolt and affected every part of my being. I did not know what it would look like but I knew that I wanted that more than anything else in my life – and that I would not settle for anything less.
Not to long after I heard Eugene’s Lenten Homily at the Church of the Madeleine, which continues to touch the very centre of my heart even today. I experienced Eugene’s words so deeply that they are forever a part of me.
I sit in awe and gratitude at how these goals above have been thought out and described – it is a gift this morning to see thems fleshed out so beautifully. Sometimes in poverty we are not always able to describe what we want because it is foreign to us. Once offered though – our eyes are forever opened and we are changed. As I sit here this morning reflecting on this gift that I have most certainly received I realise that it is precisely because of these goals that I sit where I am.
There is a glimmer of understanding – just for a second. It hits me that my prayer of being little and hidden and of serving others simply with a lamp to light their feet as they walk – that is only possible because of all that I have been given – I simply don’t need anything else. This is what the youth deserve – this best that can happen to a person.