Religiosity and the Youth of Today

"The youth is marginalized sector of scoiety. They are the most ignored, exploited and taken forgranted"-Pope John Paul II

There was a time when ones dedication and devotion to the spiritual sphere of ones life was deemed with utmost respect and reverance.

In the past, children as well as adults from all walks of life, recited the angelus religiously and whole-heartedly, whether in the streets, farms or the confines on their own homes.

In the past, the filipino value of pagmamano was given importance and equated with respect and filial obedience. failure to kiss the hands of elders was a sign of disrespect and kawalang modo (rudeness).

In the past, almost all families, parents together with their children, attended their Sunday obligations as one. there was no reason to give excuses for not attending the eucharistic celebrations-unless maybe one was terminally ill.

In the past, the lenten season, especially holy week was a time to do penance, fasting, and soul-searching. Laughing, giggling, shouting and other boisterous acts were a big no-no for they were considered "mortal sins" by our forebears.

These, and other religious practices make up the spiritual psyche of the filipinos-the unique religiosity that makes the filipinos a stand-out compared to other people. Furthermore, it is also this reliogiosity that has enabled us withstand the calamities of time brought forth by anture or by man himself.

And yes, it is the same spiritually that has been snubbed and taken for granted by the youth of today.

They have more opportunity to be with their barkada in the malls than to attend the Lethargis Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Moreover, the beaches are more alluring to the holy week traditional practices of penintensiya and pag-aayuno. Though, we must admit that many filipino youth still frequent mass, as compared to their western counterparts who considered churchgoing as a part of the past and so most of those who go to church are the old people. that liberal rationalistic expressions of modern sentiments spell out that faith in God is out of date and that God is but merely idol dreamt up by man.

Pope John Paul II, however, believes that the youth are the most sincere, generous, idealistic and hopeful sector of the society. At this particular stage, they dream dreams and once they are frustrated, they destroy themselves or others..."

Although the Gen X appears more open to change than their elders, there is a confusion and insecurity in their part when they are confronted with the so called post modern values taht question or critique the traditions they used to value. They express their doubts and uncertainties about the values and ideals of the institutions of family, work and culture which, according to John Paul II, are the three most powerful" sources of values-formation and authentic relationships."

Youth, he added, are acutely aware of the contradictions in adult society. In view of this, they are honestly looking for heroes, prophets and teachers who could inspire confidence, enthusiasm and commitment through witnessing.