September 2002



P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : For children and youths in Catholic Schools, that in the course of their training they may encounter strong and wise educators who will help them to grow in their religious faith and healthy attitudes to life.

Encouraging educators in their mission of education and evangelisation among children and youth the Holy Father urges them to support one another in the present and future challenges in the countries they work in especially in these times when many moral guideposts are fast disappearing from a world in flux.

The transmission of human and Christian values depends on the witness of adults who show youth what a happy and balanced life is. Teaching is thus more than a profession, it is a mission that consists in helping youths recognise their irreplaceable and unique qualities for the promotion and respect of human life which is so often attacked by destruction, violence, hunger and illiteracy.

Addressing youth the Holy Father reminds them to do something great with their lives with the will to follow an ideal and to refuse to allow themselves to be grounded in mediocrity. He challenges them to have the courage to commit themselves humbly and patiently to improving themselves and society to defending life at every moment of its development thus making the world more human, fraternal and liveable for all people.



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