In his weekly editorial VR and Holy See Press Office Director, Fr. Federico
Lombardi, S.J. discusses: Youcat A Catechism, which is a systematic summary
of Church teaching, written for young people, indeed in some ways by young people,
is almost a "miracle". This is howCardinal Christoph Schoenborn, presented "Youcat,"
a yellow booklet that all young pilgrims at World Youth Day in Madrid will find in
their backpack, translated into their language. Already the Great Catechism of
the Catholic Church, compiled at the express wishes of John Paul II under the leadership
of then Cardinal Ratzinger was a "miracle", because few people believed in the possibility
of reaching a common unitary, systematic and comprehensive formulation of our faith
in an era of rapidly evolving mentalities, languages, cultural diversity and explosive
fragmentation. It is a miracle of the unity of faith in the troubled path of history,
a miracle of a centripetal force that draws many to Christ, despite the centrifugal
forces that actively lead us astray in the Babel of the world. But this one faith
has to be proclaimed in languages to reach the hearts and minds of young people today,
it has to be articulated into answers to questions that they ask every day. If not,
it will gradually grow more distant from everyday life. So we have to study the Great
Catechism together with young people, in community, to understand and rewrite in words
the wealth available to friends and companions, who are also full of questions and
expectations. We must translate the book of faith so that Jesus Christ still speaks
to young people today, not just young people in one country, but in many different
countries, so they can share not only their trends in music and fashion, but also
the most crucial questions of all time ... a wonderful adventure! A courageous undertaking!
Youcat was not born perfect, but it's quite a miracle that we have in hand. We need
to improve it and nurture it together, in step with the pace of new generations, with
the passion of the unity of faith that is in their deep desire for community and hope.
Youcat is a good guide to show young people the path to happiness!