Youth, as a phase in the development of the personality, is marked by dreams which gather momentum, by relationships which acquire more and more consistency and balance, by trials and experiments, and by choices which gradually build a life project. At this stage in life, the young are called to move forward without cutting themselves off from their roots, to build autonomy, but not in solitude. The social, economic, cultural context does not always offer favourable conditions. Many young saints have allowed the features of youth to shine forth in all their beauty and in their day they have been real prophets of change. Their example shows what the young are capable of when they open themselves up to encounter Christ. Young people with disabilities or marked by illness can also offer a valuable contribution. The Synod invites communities to make room for initiatives that recognize and permit them to be active participants, for example through the use of sign language for the deaf, suitably tailored catechetical programmes, social experiences and work experience.
TheoFonsAt the sources of the faith