Cardinal wisely states youth synod cannot be 'a bunch of old men talking'

'I want the Church to go out onto the streets...'

Cardinal José Luis Lacunza of Panama released statements concerning the Synod of Bishops on Youth, which will be in October 2018, and World Youth Day in Panama in 2019.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Crux, the Cardinal wants to ensure the meeting isn't composed of a "bunch of old men" talking about young people.

Instead, Cardinal Lacunza believes the Synod of Bishops on Youth should include representatives of all ages speaking and influencing the newer generations.

"It cannot be a synod about the youth, where a bunch of old men talk about the youth, it has to be an opportunity to listen to them, to learn about their experiences, demands, challenges," he explained.

"I believe that, if we light a fire in the youth, there will be havoc, because by nature a young person is expressive, forthcoming, willing to take risks and come up with new ideas."

He used the word "havoc" as a positive, to bring to mind images of youths on fire for the Lord crying out and actively engaging with one another and those in their communities to share the Gospel of Christ.

"I want the Church to go out onto the streets; I want us to resist everything worldly, everything static, everything comfortable, everything to do with clericalism, everything that might make us closed in on ourselves," the Cardinal continued.

"It's from what young people tell us that we have to move forth, because if we don't listen to their suggestions on how to evangelize, then [a synod on the youth] would be worthless."

According to CNA, during a prayer vigil this weekend, the Pope stated the Church needs to listen to the voices of young people as well.

Nicole Espino, an 18-year-old girl, shared: "There are a lot of young people who feel like the Church is difficult, that it is far off, that it's something for adults and for serious people. [But Pope Francis] helps us to understand that we are important and that we are part of the Church.

"We feel included and like we are part of the Mass. We feel important, and he makes us feel that the youth count and that we belong to the Church."

Espino added a message for the Church, particularly for its priests: "[T]he young are very important and that it's an honor that the Pope chose Panama [for World Youth Day]. We are ready to give everything to give the best possible and to give face to our country."

Paul Tijerino, a 24-year-old man, shared his message to the Church would be that the youth "do not get tired of following God, of always following his example, of being humble in what we do. We are away of what we can be the only Gospel that a person reads.

"[O]ur actions reflect this living Christ and when people see us, they see Christ, and not only that they see Christ, but see that we are guided by Mary."

Happy to see youths understanding the Church and wanting to participate, Cardinal Lacunza reported things are moving forward and "there's no going back."

He continued, stating: "We remain with the task of raising awareness, to make everyone see that they should participate and that everyone can open their doors to welcome pilgrims so that no one feels like a stranger."

The Cardinal explained Panama is small, so part of the preparations for WYD includes asking locals to offer rooms in their homes for those attending the event.

He explained that a Synod on the Youth occurring just before World Youth Day "is another blessing from God." He added that the journey from KrakĂłw to Panama makes "you pass through the synod," which to the Cardinal will be an opportunity for WYD to be "even more meaningful and impactful."

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