Using Christus Vivit to bring the young people together

Sep 06, 2019

By Vincent D’Silva
In a sharing later to the young adults on Christus Vivit, Archbishop Poh said that in Christ is Alive, Pope Francis reminds all of the fact that Christ brings hope to the young people of the world. The exhortation is neatly divided into nine chapters and is addressed in a particular way to Christian young people.

Archbishop Poh said that Pope Francis has always had a special relationship with young people and, in his fatherly love for you, he shows that you can relate to young people who made a difference in Scripture.

“You identify with the Christ who is always young and must face difficult issues in the world today.

“You yearn for the truth of the Gospel, you are capable of amazing things when you respond to the Gospel and you learn and grow with the help from the faithful of all generations,” he said.

He also noted that the youth ministry should be bold and creative, to be able to discover who God made you to be.

He said Christus Vivit is written for and to young people, but Pope Francis also wrote it for the entire Church because, reflecting on young people inspires us all.

Archbishop Poh then went on to give a clear explanation on each chapter and to show participants where young people are mentioned in each chapter.

He said, Jesus is the model for all young people. He spent his youthful years sharing fully in the life of His family and His people. He began His ministry in the prime of life and was a young man when he gave up his life for us.

Christus Vivit demonstrates that Pope Francis understands the opportunity there is to bring the Church together and usher in a period of renewal.

From the very beginning of the Apostolic Exhortation, he connects the brashness of youth with the power of God and reminds the Church of what God has done, and continues to do, when young people are allowed to step up.

As a parting shot, the Holy Father invites the young peoples of the world to keep running, attracted by the face of Christ whom we adore in the Holy Eucharist and acknowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters.

He said every young person who has ever complained about the Church now has the opportunity and responsibility to ensure that the work of the synod continues in the dioceses and in their parishes and to make the work of the synod a reality in their own contexts.