Watchers of the Dawn

[StColette]

The inspiration for the title of this tract comes from this quote, "Now more than ever it is crucial that you be "watchers of the dawn", the lookouts who announce the light of dawn and the new springtime of the Gospel of which the buds can already be seen."

"The effort and enthusiasm, which you young people can offer the Church, are indispensable." ~ Pope John Paul the Great, VII WYD

This tract is written to inspire the youth and to possibly give the adults a better understanding of the role that the youth play in the Church. Some adults view the youth, in general, as kids who don't have enough understanding of Faith and life to express their opinions. I'm sure that many of you have faced this type of anti-youthness in your life, and I'm even referring to those who are adults now with kids of their own. For all adults, were once the youth. They suffered and endured the same that we do now. Their generation carried the Church when it was entrusted to them and it is now our generation's turn to do the same. Given the chance, which is all we ask for, this generation will prove their place within the Church. We've been told to go and spread the Gospel and to teach about the Catholic Church. It is not an easy mission for any Catholic, no matter what age. In beginning our work as Catholic evangelists now as the youth, we grow to be stronger Catholic adults.

[b]Be Like Little Children[/b]

Verses that really come to mind when speaking about the youth and about children are from the Gospel.

Mk 10:
13 ¶ And they brought to him young children, that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them that brought them.
14 Whom when Jesus saw, he was much displeased and saith to them: Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God, as a little child shall not enter into it.
16 And embracing them and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them.

Matthew 18
3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19
13 Then were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said to them: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such.

Mark 10
13 And they brought to him young children, that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them that brought them.
14 Whom when Jesus saw, he was much displeased, and saith to them: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luke 18
16 But Jesus, calling them together, said: Suffer children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

"God says: I like youngsters. I want people to be like them. I don't like old people unless they are still children. I want only children in my Kingdom; this has been decreed from the beginning of time. Youngers--twisted, humped, wrinkled, white-bearded--all kinds of youngsters, but youngsters. there is no changing it; it has been decided. There is room for no one else." -- Michel Quoist, "Prayers"

In each of these verses, Christ shows us how truly important children are. The disciples tried to keep the children from Christ, but Jesus brought them forward to Him. There He embraced them because He saw in them what He wishes to see in all that believe. The youth are still filled with a childlike innocence. This is something that has not yet been ruined by the harsh events that occur in adulthood. It is this innocence that adults must also strive to have. So as adults serve as guides and examples for the youth, the youth also serves as an example for the adults. The innocence that abides in the youth pours out and is visible to all those who watch carefully. The lesson for adults is to never disregard the youth, because their natural innocence is a key to entering the kingdom of Heaven.

[b]Future Strength[/b]

1Jn:2:14:
14 I write unto you, babes, because you have known the Father. I write unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. (DRV)

"The Church looks to the young; or rather, the Church in a special way sees herself in the young -in you as a group and in each of you as individuals. This is how it has been since the beginning, since apostolic times. The words of Saint John in his First Letter offer a particular testimony of this: "I am writing to you, young people, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father... I write to you, young people, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you". (Pope John Paul II)

We see that even the Apostle John saw in the young the strength that is required to follow Christ and to obey the Lord. It is this strength that the youth, who are the future of the Church, will continue to spread the word of God, for "the word of God abides in" us. Many underestimate the spiritual strength that the youth of the world possesses. We are often viewed as weak and unable to accomplish important tasks. But here we see that Pope John Paul II agrees with the Apostle John and further elaborates the connection between the youth and the Church. Pope John Paul II says that the "Church in a special way sees herself in the young". We all know that the Church is a great pillar of strength and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. I find it amazing that these two verses tie in together. 1 John 2:14 says that the young are strong enough to overcome the evil and Matt 18: the gates of Hell shall not prevail. Both the Church and the youth have the strength to stand against Satan and all his tricks.

[b]Youthful Enthusiasm[/b]

Ecclesiastes 11

9 Rejoice therefore, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart be in that which is good in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thy eyes: and know that for all these God will bring thee into judgment.

St. Paul tells us to "Rejoice ... in thy youth." The youth does this constantly, especially at World Youth Day, which has become a celebration of the youth and a time to rejoice in the capabilities of the youth. "Rejoice in thy youth" do not ignore it or try to suppress it because your youth is very much a part of you. God in His infinite wisdom created the time of "youth" to be a time of joy and learning. Each day young people learn more and more about whom they are and who they wish to become. It is this that gives the youth reason to "Rejoice." Young people have given their lives over to God and to the Church, and so they rejoice in knowing that by serving the Church and serving others they are serving God.

St. Paul reminds us that in our youthfulness we "walk in the ways of [the] heart," meaning we walk in our faith and share our faith through our hearts rather than through the knowledge that we possess. The enthusiasm that the youth share visibly with the world is what Pope John Paul II stressed at each WYD. "Therefore, do not be afraid to walk the way first trodden by the Lord. With your youthfulness, put your mark of hope and enthusiasm, so typical of your age, on the third millennium that is just beginning. If you allow the grace of God to work in you, and earnestly fulfill this commitment daily, you will make this new century a better time for everyone." is what the Pope shared with the young people at WYD 2004. He is telling us to use our hope, energy, enthusiasm, and faith into making "this new century a better time for everyone." We are the hope of the hope of the world and we have been given the task to make the world a better place.

Pope John Paul II also calls us to use our enthusiasm and optimism or hope that young people have to reach others throughout the world. He calls the youth to "Put your talents and your youthful enthusiasm at the service of the proclamation of the Good News." We have been given a mission to go out into the world and share the Gospel with everyone, through our enthusiasm for the Faith. The Pope also calls us to " present the Lord to all those who wish to see him, especially those who are farthest away from him." John Paul II is sending us after the lost sheep, those that have strayed from the path or those who do not yet know Christ. This task is definitely not an easy one, but it has been given to the youth for a reason. With our boundless energy and faith in God, we are to go in search for the lost sheep just as Christ would have (What man of you that hath a hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after that which was lost, until he find it).

Our enthusiasm can often be mistaken as being childish, but this is definitely not the case. The youth cannot keep themselves from being enthusiastic about their Faith because it is this enthusiasm that is so ingrained in their nature. While some adults do not understand our youthful enthusiasm, Pope John Paul II saw what a powerful thing it could truly be. It is this youthfulness and excitement from the many Catholic youth that has brought much needed strength to the Church at a time when many began to turn from it. Our youthfulness serves as a visible symbol of the vibrant life of the Church. It is a symbol that the Church is not in a state of sleepy contemplation but is awake with boundless energy.

[b]Be An Example[/b]

1 Timothy 4

12 Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.

This verse puts the missions of the youth straight and forward and it reminds anyone not to despise the youth. By the verse each young person is called upon to be an example of the faith. We are each called to be an example in all conversations, charity, faith, and chastity. It is these values that will make the youth great adults within the Church. Pope John Paul II at WYD 2004 told the youth: "The world is in urgent need of a great prophetic sign of fraternal charity! It is not enough to "speak" of Jesus. We must also let him be "seen" somehow through the eloquent witness of our own life." The Holy Father calls us to be symbols of the faith in everything that we do. If we do not live out the Faith in every aspect of our lives then we are failing in the mission that has been given to us. Pope John Paul II reminds us: " Humanity is in urgent need of the witness of free and courageous young people who dare to go against the tide and proclaim with vigour and enthusiasm their personal faith in God, Lord and Saviour." We are the hope and the future of the Church and it is up to us to "dare to go against the tide." The Pope has called each of us to turn away from the mainstream secular views of the world. To fight the secular corruption that is continuously going after the youth. It is up to the youth to be strong and turn away from the secular ideas of the world that tries and sever the bond among the youth, the Church, and God.

Since the beginning of the Church, it has been passed down through each generation. It was the job of that generation to protect and serve the Church. The generation today is reminded of their duty that they are obligated to. Pope John Paul II tells the youth of the world, "dear young people, are the receivers and the trustees of this heritage: "This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church." Without the continuous spreading of the Catholic faith, the Church would lose much of its identity. We have been entrusted to be the "trustees" of the Church. It is up to us to continue spreading the Faith. Pope John Paul the Great calls to mind the comparison of the youth and the salt of the world. "For a long time, salt was also used to preserve food. As the salt of the earth, you are called to preserve the faith, which you have received, and to pass it on intact to others. Your generation is being challenged in a special way to keep safe the deposit of faith " We must never forget that we have been entrusted with a tremendous cross to carry and to carry it proudly. It is a very large cross to bear for anyone of any age, but it falls on the youth to carry. In the youth are the future adults of the Church: the future priests, sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers.

We are called to be the future apostles of the Church. In 2003, Pope John Paul II told the youth: "Open up to the breath of the Spirit, and you will become courageous apostles, capable of spreading the fire of charity and the light of truth all around you." It is this statement that describes what the youth are called to do and to be. We are each called to be apostles of the Church. As 1 Timothy 4:12 tells us "in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, and in chastity" these virtues are visible in every apostle of Christ. They are the virtues that make a person strong and never yielding in what they believe.

[b]Ambassadors of Peace[/b]

"You are the young heart of the Church; go throughout the world taking peace" Pope John Paul II

Mt:5:9:
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (DRV)

This verse refers to both the youth and adults who have given their lives to God and have been promoters of peace. Pope John Paul II called especially to the youth to carry out a plan of piece in the world. The Pope constantly prayed that the youth might be strong leaders for the mission of peace. In one incident, Pope John Paul II said "Make these young people bearers of your peace. Teach them the meaning of what you said on the mountain: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God" He often referred the path of peace as "at the same time the path of the young." It is the mission of the youth of the Church to be apostles of peace. Peace is not found in violence or through wars, it is found through love and the respect for every human life. Pope John Paul II knew that the message of peace is a hard road and not one easily traveled. He said, "If you want peace, work for peace. If you want peace, defend life," it is this attitude he wished the youth to carry with them everywhere. For the youth to stand up for peace when others do not believe in the path of peace.

The late Holy Father constantly reminded the young to be "active members of the Church and builders of peace." It is through this peace that the message of Christ can reach out to all nations and people. Since the youth are soon to be the future adults of the world, running the nations and states, it is important to ingrain this message and mission of peace within their minds. Pope John Paul II understood how important it is to make the youth ambassadors of peace. We have been bestowed with the titles of ambassador and disciple and it is up to us to live up to these titles. Pope John Paul II had/has faith in the mission of peace that has been given to the youth. He told us "Do not be afraid! ... the future of peace lies in your hearts."


[b]The Wisdom of the Youth[/b]

Matt 11:

25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and
revealed them to little children.

The wisdom of children or the youth is often ignored. In this verse Christ praises the Father for revealing certain things to little children rather than to those who are wise and learned. Not all knowledge comes from years of study and contemplation. The most amazing truths have often come from the mouths of babes. Their eyes see no sin, no discrimination, no rich or poor, and no hate. They embody the innocence that all adults wish to possess because it is the secret to being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. They love simply because that is what is ingrained in both their minds and their hearts. A child's love can melt the hardest of hearts and bring comfort to the saddest of people. It is this knowledge which children possess. The knowledge of how to love. They see with their hearts rather than with their eyes, and it is because of this the Father reveals things to the little children.

Often the simple wisdom of the youth is ignored. I believe it is because adults have forgotten what it is like to be young and to see without untainted eyes. Adults have seen and been through hardship and have often times had their minds implanted with hate and discrimination. The heart of an adult is often harden through the trials that they have been through. Many people will say that we should not pay much mind to the words of the young because they have still so much to learn. Mother Teresa disagreed with this opinion. On one occasion she said, "so often people say that we should look to the elderly, learn from their wisdom, their many years. I disagree, I say we should look to the young: untarnished, without stereotypes implanted in their minds, no poison, no hatred in their hearts. When we learn to see life through the eyes of a child, that is when we become truly wise." Mother Teresa spoke great words of wisdom when she said this. That as adults when we see with the untarnished heart and eyes of a child we have "become truly wise".

There should be conversations between the adults and the youth. Until we are open to discussions with one another we cannot share the wisdom that each of us possesses. The adults through their years have gained knowledge through the experiences of life and through their education. The youth has been given wisdom of seeing people with a pure and innocent heart. If we could truly learn these things from one another the world would be a much more peace place.

[b]The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John and the Youth[/b]

I think many of us often forget how young Our Lady actually was at the Annunciation. At the time of the Annunciation Our Lady was around the age of sixteen. It is because of her age at the time of the Annunciation that helps the youth identify with the Holy Mother. We look to her for motherly comfort but also for inspiration to be faithful children of God. We must also look to her as an example of a faithful young person to God. Our Lady's simple "yes" to God at the Annunciation is an example to what the youth of today must say to God. We must each give Him our "yes" to follow Him faithfully, defend His Church, and to spread His Word with love and charity. Her "yes" serves as inspiration for every young person because she did not fear the Will of God. Our Lady did not run away from the Will of God, but she embraced it and accepted it. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word." are the words of Our Lady as she gave herself completely to God.

Our Lady is one of the bravest young people that has ever walked upon the earth. The youth see in her what the wish to see in themselves. "Our youth can see in her someone of their own age who listens, who spiritually hears and courageously accepts and experiences the goodness of God. In Mary they see a young girl who finds meaning and fulfillment in life by her union with the Lord. Our youth today desire to see faith in action." is what Pope John Paul II said at WYD and nothing could be more true. The youth of today wish to follow Mary's example because it is the perfect example of what a disciple of Christ should be like. Courageous, faithful, and humble in accepting the Will of the Father. At the Annunciation, the young people "will see someone their own age who is attentive to the Word of God, hears it, and courageously accepts the mission entrusted to her." The youth of the world have been given a mission of protecting the faith, spreading the Gospel, and preaching peace and through the inspiration of the Holy Mother at the Annunciation, the young people find comfort and courage in their mission.

As our Mother, Mary teaches each one of us the path to her Son. Many non-Catholics are often times confused or afraid of looking to Mary for help and assistance in growing closer to Christ. Keep in mind that Christ learned much from His mother. It is Mary that cared for Him when He was sick and taught Him. Mary does the same for the youth today. She is present with us when we call out her name, if we are sick or afraid, she wraps us in her mantle and cradles us as her children. She teaches us to follow her Son faithfully and without fear, even through persecution. It is when she becomes our Mother that we become her faithful students. We learn from Mother Mary just as Jesus learned from her when He was a child. John Paul II tells us "In Mary's school, you will discover the specific commitment that Christ expects of you, and you will learn to put Christ first in your lives, and to direct your thoughts and actions to him." Our Lady helps us on our path to salvation, and it is fitting because it was God who chose her as the first "collaborator in the work of salvation" at the first thought of her creation.

Mother Mary serves the youth as a great example of humility. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven." is a verse, that further inspires what Our Lady tries to teach us. As our teacher, she molds us into faithful disciples of her Son. Changing our hearts and humbling us to the Will of God. It is through this teaching process that Mama Mary is creating great leaders for the Church and the world. She sees in us what her Son sees in us, that the youth are the future of the Faith and of the world. We are to be taught how to accept humbly what God wishes each of us to do with our lives. Our Lady "will discharge her ministry as a mother and train you and mould you until Christ is fully formed in you" Mary continues to "encourages us with her example to welcome the will of God and ... not to give in to temptations." Our Lady teaches us to keep our eyes constantly on her Son, so that none may try to take us from Him.

At the cross, Our Lady stood faithful by her Son and watched Him give His life for the world. Before dying, Christ gave Our Lady into the trusted care of St. John, the beloved the disciple and in return gave St. John to Our Lady as her son. It is here that all children of God became the children of Mary and Mary became the mother of all. It is in this special relationship between St. John and Our Lady that the youth can identify with even more. St. John, at the time of the Gospel, was considered a young person, according to Church tradition. The young people today "have the same desire to be with Jesus" as John the Beloved had. When all the other Apostles had hid during the Crucifixion, St. John stood faithfully beside Christ and Our Lady. John serves as an example of a young person who would not abandon the Lord. He stood beside Christ even at the risk of his own death. It is this that the youth of the Church wish to follow. They want to stand faithfully by Christ, even at the risk of persecution and death.

[b]Youthful Saints[/b]

Sometimes when we think of the Saints we do not imagine young people being among them. We often think of older men and women wise and learned. There are, however a great number of Saints who are considerably young, many of them were martyrs for the Faith. These young Saints are young people wise beyond their years, even surpassing many of the wise men and women of their time and of our own. They were young people completely devoted to God and the Church. Many of them paid with their lives for serving God so faithfully. In this tract the examples of young Saints are Sts. Therese the Little Flower, Bernadette, Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, John Berchmans, and Maria Goretti. There are many other young Saints that could be added to this list, but it is these that first come to mind when I think of the youth and how they have contributed to the Church.

Therese of the Child Jesus (The Little Flower)

"From the youth of Theresa of the Child Jesus spring forth her enthusiasm for the Lord, the intensity of her love, the realistic daring of her great projects. The charm of her holiness is confirmation that God grants in abundance, even to the young, the treasures of his wisdom." ( Pope John Paul II )

The life of St. Therese is not one of great missions, foundation of convents, or even of great miracles. She lived her life simply but it is this simple life that has had such a profound effect on the entire Church. The publication of "Story of a Soul" gave all an insight into the profound thoughts of this young Saint. It was this "little way" of trusting in Jesus to make her holy that touched the lives of thousands of Catholics then and it is still touching the lives of Catholics today. It is because of Therese's great influence over the lives of the faithful that Pope John Paul proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church in 1997.

Many of us know what an inspiration Therese is to all people of the Church. What often surprises us is how very young she was at the time of her death. At the time of her death Therese was only twenty-four. She was not much older then many of the youth that Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI address at World Youth Day. It is because of her youth and devotion to God, that draws young people toward her. The suffering that she endured was truly unknown until she was near her death. Therese is a shining example of what it is to suffer in silence for the glory of God.

It is from Therese's youthfulness that her wisdom seemed to originate from. Her innocent and childlike opinions about loving others and loving God are so simple yet so profound, especially coming from a person as young as she was. The following quotes are just a few of the inspiring thoughts that Therese wished to share with others.

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them."

"It was with such an intention that Jesus showered His graces so lavishly upon His little flower, He, who cried out in His mortal life: "I thank thee, Father that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and the prudent and revealed them to babes," willed to have His mercy shine out in me. Because I was little and weak He lowered Himself to me, and He instructed me secretly in the things of His love."

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St. Gabriel Francis of our Lady of Sorrows

He was born Francesco Possenti, In Assisi, Italy. His life would mirror the life of Saint Francis. Both of them turned from excesses of this world and rather turned to the glory of the next.

During a procession of an icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Francesco felt Our Lady calling him to turn away from this world and to become a religious. From this moment Francesco set forth for the Passionist novitiate. And there he took the name Gabriel Francis of Our Lady of Sorrows. It is the traditional vow of the Passionist to spread devotion to Christ Crucified, but Gabriel took this one step further and vowed to also spread devotion to Our Sorrowful Mother. Gabriel quickly grew in holiness from his devotion to the Crucified Christ through Our Lady of Sorrows.

Gabriel's life would be short lived. He would be struck with tuberculosis. Even though he suffered greatly he still begged to be carried to Mass and maintained is cheerfulness. It is even said that his cheerfulness caused other novices to compete to spend time by his death bed. Gabriel died at the age of 24, before becoming a priest. He died hugging an image of the Sorrowful Mother. Moments before his death, a smile spread across his face, and he tilted his head to the right, where he saw the Virgin Mary coming to take him to heaven.

He was canonized by Pope Benedict XV and made patron to the youth. Many miracles have been attributed to the intercession of St. Gabriel Francis of Our Lady of Sorrows. Saint Gemma Galgani held that it was St. Gabriel who cured her from her disease and led her to her vocation as a Passionist.

The extraordinary life of St. Gabriel, is very simple, like many Saints. What we can learn from him is to grow in holiness through constant devotion to Our Lord and Lady. It was through his devotion to them that he grew in great holiness. The following are a few words of wisdom from this very youthful Saint.

"I want to break my own will into pieces, I want to do God's Holy will, not my own. May the most adorable, most loveable, most perfect will of God always be done."

"It takes only a grain of pride to overturn a whole mountain of holiness. God reveals His sublime mysteries only to those who are humble of heart."

"Grace produces its precious fruits only in those who are firmly convinced of their own weakness, and who are equally aware of the divine power that finds its glory in the conviction that we are nothing but dust and that God alone can lift us out of the dust and make us strong."

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St. John Berchmans

A pious young man from a very early age. By the age of 11, St. John had a great desire to become a priest. Through his kind heart, he would touch the lives of all that would know him.

Like St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John devoted himself to perfecting himself in the little, simple things of life. No great miracles occurred during John's life nor did he accomplish any amazing tasks. He lived simply for the Lord and devoted himself to Our Lady. Never has his enthusiasm to learn been surpassed and rarely has it ever been equaled.

It is said that St. John was so devoted during Mass that he would sometimes distract the celebrant. His extreme kindness to help those who were in need, endeared him to all the novices, priests, and lay people who were around him. Sadly, St. John would never live to see himself become a priest.

A strange illness, the doctors could not identify, began to deteriorate St. John's health. Throughout the suffering of this illness, John continue to find joy and enthusiasm for life. He kept his playful nature all the way until the day of his death. On one occasion he told his doctors "It's lucky that such an expensive sickness is not going to last long."

On the day of his death, St. John asked that his mattress be laid on the floor. There he knelled to receive Communion. When the Father Rector said the words “Receive, Brother, in viaticum, the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” All who were present at this event began to weep. Their tears gave proof to the holy life that St. John had lead. He died at the age of 22 and was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. In prophetic words, St. John had said some years earlier,"If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one." Many miracles has since been attributed to the intercession of St. John Berchmans.

We can learn from the life of St. John Berchmans to rejoice in life with enthusiasm, even during times of suffering. The following are words of wisdom from this young Saint.

"Have great care for little things,"

"It's lucky that such an expensive sickness is not going to last long."

"He who loves Mary shall persevere to the end."

"I shall never care what others say about the rules; for me every rule is the manifestation of God’s will."

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St. Bernadette

A child born to a very poor family and she was constantly in poor health throughout her life. Bernadette was not very bright when it came to what knowledge could be learned from reading books, rather she possessed the knowledge of a simple, humble child. It is this reason that Our Lady chose to appear to Bernadette. Many know the story of Lourdes and the miracles that have happened there.

In order to have this apparition approved by the church, Bernadette had to endure questioning after questioning. And each time she showed great modesty, wisdom, simplicity, and commonsense well beyond her years. To skeptics of the Apparition at Lourdes, Bernadette would reply "I have been told to tell you about it. I have not been told to make you believe it." As we all know, the apparitions of Lourdes were in fact approved by the Church.

The life of St. Bernadette was filled with great suffering, though she kept her suffering private. She lost many family members at an early age, including her mother, father, and her sister's children. Not only did she suffer emotionally, but also physically. A large tubercular tumor on her right knee would be the cause of her death. She had kept this tumor hidden from all her religious sisters until the pain could no longer be hidden. At the age of 35, Bernadette was called home to the Heavenly Father. Our Lady said this to Bernadette in regard to her life here on earth,"I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other." And truly now she is happy and at peace, interceding on the behalf of the souls on earth.

The wisdom that each of us should take from Bernadette is the need to be humble and accept suffering as a gift from God. Below are quotes from St. Bernadette that should be an inspiration to us all.

"Nothing is anything more to me; everything is nothing to me, but Jesus: neither things nor persons, neither ideas nor emotions, neither honor nor sufferings. Jesus is for me honor, delight, heart and soul."

"You must receive God well; give Him a loving welcome, for then He has to pay us rent."

Once a nun asked her if she had temptations of pride because she was favored by the Blessed Mother. "How can I?" she answered quickly. "The Blessed Virgin chose me only because I was the most ignorant." ( a true sign of her humility )

"The more I am crucified, the more I rejoice."

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Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti is one of the youngest martyrs of the Church. A faithful child of God, who would rather die then forsake her purity.

In 1902, when Maria's neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from the steps of her home and tried to rape her. Maria repeatedly fought him off telling him "No, it is a sin, you'll go to Hell." When Maria told Alexander that she would rather die then submit, Alexander began to stab her to death.

Maria's last days were spent laying in a hospital when she forgave Alexander just before she died. Her death would not be the end of her aid to Alexander. He was captured and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Alexander remained unrepentant until he had a dream one night. The dream took place in a garden, and stand there was Maria and a man handing her flowers. Upon waking from the dream, he was forever a changed man. He repented and reformed his life. After serving 27 years, he was released. Upon his release, Alexander went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness. Maria's mother said this ""If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withhold forgiveness."

The miracles that lead to her canonization were:

On May 4, 1947, a woman deathly sick with dropsical pleurisy, after praying to Maria Goretti was instantly cured.

On May 8, 1947, a man who entire foot was crushed to pieces by a mountain landslide, invoked Maria's name and his foot instantly returned to normal.

On June 24, 1950, in front of a crowd of 250,000, including Alexander, Pope Pius XII canonized Maria for her purity and made her a patron to the youth.

What can most be learned from the life of St. Maria Goretti is her bravery in defense of purity and the forgiveness she bestowed upon her murderer. We should each strive to model our lives after the life of St. Maria. To live our lives in purity and to forgive those that do us harm.

"He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant."

“Saint Maria Goretti invites us to be faithful to the traditional doctrine of the Church. She is a role model of the Church's zeal in defense of purity and that unique bravery purity imbues."
-----------------------------------

I hope that this tract has given insight into what the role of the youth is in the Church. We are to not be pushed aside because of our age, because Christ always beckoned the little children to Him. As Christ beckoned the children to Him so does the Mother Church beckon the youth to Her. We are all to respect the great gifts that the youth has to offer to the Church and to the world. Today's youth have been given the great missions of spreading the Gospel, fighting for peace, and called to preserve the Faith. These tasks would not have been given to us if it were not for the faith that the Church has in Her youth and the faith that the Church has in God and all the Saints to help guide the youth to greatness. I see adding a prayer for the youth the proper way to end this tract.

God, our Father, we thank You for the gift of love and the gift of life. We thank you for the gift of our children. We ask You to send Your holy angels to protect and guide them each day so that they will walk the narrow path of purity, self-control and obedience, as was taught to us by Your own Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God Bless and Mary Protect!
Jennie Catherine

Edited August 29, 2005 by StColette

[franciscanheart]

Jennie this tract is absolutely amazing! You have really outdone yourself! Good work, sis.

[azaelia]

Rock on

[phatcatholic]

i liked how you organized the words of JPII based on the verse from the bible about youth that he, intentionally or not, is expounding upon. very thorough and comprehensive. i've never read anything like it before.

GOOD JOB!!! :

[ForHimAlone]

Just awesome! Thanks, Jennie!

[StColette]

Thanks yall I'm really glad that yall liked it. Makes me feel good that my over two weeks worth of work wasn't in vain.

[morostheos]

AWESOME JOB!!

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='StColette' date='Aug 29 2005, 06:36 PM']Thanks yall I'm really glad that yall liked it. Makes me feel good that my over two weeks worth of work wasn't in vain.
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[/quote]
even if no one were to like it, it still would not be in vain

[journeyman]

I've skimmed it once and you've done a great job. Phat is more familiar with JPII's writings than I, but I liked the way you kept that constant thread of thought going throughout the tract.

One thought, you accepted, or perhaps didn't distinguish as vigorously as you might have, was the thought that the youth are the Church of the future. That leaves the door open for an older group to continue to think, "wait your turn." Baptism brings you into membership . . . confirmation into full membership. I posted a couple of articles I swiped from a course I took that touched on how the full integration of youth into the Body of Christ enriches the experience for everyone. Perhaps it is not as miraculous as the actions of the young saints you highlighted, but day to day life in the church is not always heroic.

[phatcatholic]

BUMP!!!

[StColette]

Thanks again everyone

[jmjtina]

sweet stuff.

printing.

[journeyman]

St. Collette

I was reading over this portion of the Catechism and when I hit this section, I thought of your tract. I think you already covered the concept, so maybe it would just provide additional authority.

1308 Although Confirmation is sometimes called the "sacrament of Christian maturity," we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need "ratification" to become effective. St. Thomas reminds us of this:

Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: "For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years. "Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit they have received, have bravely fought for Christ even to the shedding of their blood.126

126 St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III,72,8, ad 2; Cf. Wis 4:8.

[phatcatholic]

bump :

[StColette]

lol ty for that bump Nick