Catholic School Community

Is There Really Hope in the Young, Principle One of Seven

This is the first of a series of seven principles for Catholic educators based on the words and actions of John Paul II as he conveyed in Crossing the Threshold of Hope.

"The experiences of teachers and pastors confirm, today no less than yesterday, the idealism present in young people, even if nowadays it perhaps tends to be expressed mostly in the form of ciiticism, whereas before it would have been translated more simply into duty."

Principle One for Catholic Educators:  Know, nurture, and celebrate the idealism present in young people and help to intsill in them a sense of gratitude and duty.

 

Is There Really Hope in the Young?

The turnout for the beatification of Blessed John Paul II far exceeded even the most optimistic expectation of 1 million people, the number Rome city officials predicted. This was also true of World Youth Day in 1993. It was thought no more than 60,000 young people would make that pilgrimage, when a throng of nearly 600,000 attended--often chanting "John Paul II we love you." And a quarter million pilgrims were with him in an Easter Week deathwatch in 2005. This charismatic saint-to-be attracted all ages but had a special connection with youth. His life and ways serve as a wonderful model for Catholic educators. In this Easter season I will offer seven principles for educators based on Blessed John Paul's reflections in Crossing the Threshold of Hope.