'The Youth' is the focus of the October 2018 Synod

The theme chosen by His Holiness Pope Francis for the XV General Assembly of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops taking place in October 2018 will be “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” Describing the theme "as an expression of the Church’s pastoral concern for the young," the statement said the chosen topic follows on from the findings of the recent Synods on the family and the conclusions contained in the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. It said by discussing this theme, "the Synod wishes to accompany young people along their existential journey towards maturity so that, through a process of discernment, they can discover their life plan and achieve it joyfully, opening themselves up to an encounter with God and humanity and actively taking part in the building of the Church and society."

Providentially, the year 2019 is declared by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines as the Year of the Youth. It is often said that the youth are the future of the Church. The youth are, in fact, the present of the Church. They are its most numerous members. They inspire us by their active participation in society and in the Church. The involvement of hundreds of thousands of young people in the various activities of evangelization and social transformation is a call to greater participation in the Church. “New methods, new expressions and new fervor” of evangelization are imperative. We shall invite the youth to discern deeply their vocation in the world and in the Church, especially the Lord’s invitation to them to the priestly and religious life. How we, as Church, respond to the aspirations of the youth will shape the third millennium.

Source: Vatican Radio