April 25-27: Jubilee of Teenagers

In anticipation of the Jubilee of Teenagers, set within a yearlong celebration of hope, we remember the words of Saint Pope John Paul II in his message to young people for the 12th World Youth Day:

We are living in an era of great changes: the rapid decline of ideologies that seemed to promise a long resistance to the wear and tear of time; the tracing out on the planet of new confines and frontiers. Humanity often finds itself uncertain, bewildered and anxious (cf. Mt 9:36). But the word of God knows no decline; throughout history and among changing events, it remains firm and gives light (cf. Mt 24:35). The faith of the Church is founded on Jesus Christ, the one Saviour of the world, yesterday and today and forever  (cf. Heb 13:8). It gives Christ as reference for an answer to the questions rising up from the human heart in the face of the mystery of life and death. Only from Christ, indeed, can there be answers that do not deceive nor disappoint.

Do not be afraid! It is in Christ that we find our hope. Romans 5:1-5 tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access [by faith] to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Every age and generation of teenagers that has gone before us has been faced with challenges and struggles in this world. But do not be alarmed because we have hope in Christ Jesus! By clinging to the joy of the Gospel and the witness of Christ, we can find the strength we need to face the adversities of our age. Let us look at the lives of the young saints who have paved the way for us like Bl. Carlo Acutis whose devotion for the Eucharist evangelized countless people from around the world or Bl. Chiara Badano who radiated joy in her sufferings at the end of her life and looked with anticipation on being united to Christ. We must reclaim this joy that has been given to us by Christ to be witnesses to the world around us.

As you celebrate this beautiful Jubilee of Teenagers, radiate your joy and love for the Lord with all those whom you interact with on the internet and in real life. Remember these words from 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” You are the Church of now and Christ is dwelling in you! Witness to the joy and hope that is found in Christ Jesus so the world may know the reason for your joy.

PRAYERS

Prayer for Youth

"Let the children come to me." (Mt. 19:14)

Loving Father, you look with compassion on all your children, especially those who are vulnerable. May we work to create a world in which every child has access to food, clean water, shelter, education, health care, and all other basic rights. May we teach youth about their role in working for peace, justice and the common good. May we act together to ensure that the lives and dignity of children everywhere can be respected. Amen.

(From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2012)

Prayer for Students

Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send your Spirit upon these students and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to you, the source of all knowledge. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen.

(USCCB Prayer for Students)

Christ the King Prayer

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to you we turn in humble prayer. Look with favor upon all young adults, bearers of hope for the Church and the world.

Jesus Christ, companion of young adults, bless the paths of discovery and discernment, through times of joy and experiences of hardship, with the constant love and support of your Church.
Jesus Christ, alive in the hearts of all your people, grant that we may “journey together, young and old… to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken prophesies and enable hope to blossom.

Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all humankind, open our hearts to encounter all young adults, to accompany and be in community together, and as one Church, embark upon our holy mission.6

Jesus Christ, in the company of the Father and the Holy Spirit, graciously hear our prayer and be with us forevermore. Amen

(Adapted from “A Prayer for Youth and Young Adults,” from A National Pastoral Resource Guidebook for the Global Celebration of Young People: for the Annual Celebration of Youth and Young Adults in the United States of America on the Solemnity of Christ the King, USCCB © 2021; quotation within prayer from Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, no. 199)

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Young People

Lord Jesus… your Church turns her attention to all the young people in the world. We pray that they might boldly take charge of their lives, aim for the most beautiful and profound things of life and always keep their hearts unencumbered. Accompanied by wise and generous guides, help them respond to the call you make to each of them, to realize a proper plan of life and achieve happiness. Keep their hearts open to dreaming great dreams and make them concerned for the good of others.

Like the Beloved Disciple, may they stand at the foot of the Cross, to receive your Mother as a gift from You. May they be witnesses to your Resurrection and be aware that you are at their side as they joyously proclaim you as Lord. Amen.

(Adapted from “Prayer for Young People, in view of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops 2018: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment” by Pope Francis, Libreria Editrice Vaticana © 2017)