I was greatly inspired to write this reflection after I
read this article and excerpt from the statement made recently by the Indian
Catechetical Association:
“Many young people complain about dull liturgical
practices and preaching, the concluding statement observed. Therefore, youth
catechesis needs to help young people participate more fully in liturgical
celebrations.” (Zenit News Agency, Rome, accessed 16 February 2012)
"The richness and uniqueness of the value of the
liturgical celebrations are to be presented creatively and imaginatively, in
line with the official teachings of the Church, to the vibrant minds of
youth." (State of Indian Catechetical Association)
Here in the Philippines, if you want to see liturgical
abuses, go to a Youth Mass. There you'll see instruments that are discouraged
for use within the Church by the instruction Musicam Sacram, Liturgical Dances, Animations, etc. etc. etc. What
do we get? Empowered Youth Ministers but shallow spirituality. Am I right?
"It's fun!" that's the evaluating statement
that you must hear from the young people. If it is fun, it's ok! But does the
word 'fun' measures the good formation and liturgical celebration that priests,
youth ministries, and youth ministers prepare, celebrate, teach, and give?
When can I hear from them: "My life was changed,
and, therefore, I want to serve more my Lord!" or "My life now is a
life with Jesus!" or other similar words that assures the efficacy of formation
programs and liturgical celebrations. Or how about young people going to Mass
every Sunday with sincerity, not talking to their other co-members or making it
an excuse to their parents to go elsewhere? Or youth and their ministers go to
Confession at least once a month and meeting with their spiritual directors
regularly? Or young people aware that if you have mortal sin you cannot receive
Holy Communion? Even more, knowing their priority: If you are a student, study
very well, get high grades, and graduate! How many youth in our ecclesial
communities have stopped studying? Or not getting a job to help themselves and
their family. What formation do we give to them? They may be physically strong,
but morally and spiritually weak.
Youth Ministry here in the Philippines may have succeeded
in the emotional, psychological, sociological, and physical formation of our
young people. But for youth to be spirituality rooted in Christ and in the Liturgy
and Sacraments... well, maybe not. Where there are numerous "add-ons"
and/or "special effects" in every Youth Mass and Liturgies, the value
of the Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi
decreases. The Holy See is very clear that whatever is done outside liturgical
norms and books are considered liturgical abuses. Therefore it is very dangerous
to our faith (cf. Pope Benedict XVI’s Statement to the Neo-Catechumenal Way).
Some Youth Ministers considered applying the way of prayer and spirituality of
other movements such as Taize, Neo-Catechumenal Way, Focolare, etc. How about
considering a return to the root of all spirituality-the Sacred Liturgy: the Fons et Culmens (SC 10)of all Christian
life?
I believe that a good and solemn celebration, presided by
the priest, and participated well by young people, without any additions or
subtractions, and even multiplication, will produce a genuinely-enriched youth
spirituality. Let the priest prepare his homily very well and explain briefly
and straight-to-the-point the message of the liturgical prayers and readings of
the day. For the young ones, participate actively by listening well, responding
clearly in the acclamations, spending moments of silent prayer, focusing more
on the Sacred Celebration, and attending seriously and sincerely spiritual
formations!
On this coming Year of Faith (October 2012-November 2013),
why not our Youth Ministries consider returning to the real formation: Basic
Faith Formation? Why not teach or refresh our young people with the
fundamentals of Catholic Doctrine, Morals, and Worship that could lead them to a
more renewed and enriched spiritual life? However, make sure that everything we
teach to our young people must, again I quote, "in line with the official
teachings of the Church." The more they know their Christian faith well,
they will, and we hope, live it through a dignified moral life, and treasure this
Catholic and Apostolic faith through a more worthy and solemn celebration of
the Sacred Liturgy - check out World Youth Day Masses with Pope Benedict XVI
and see the difference!
