Catholic Youth leader in
Zambia welcomes letter from Synod Fathers
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| Ms.Mundia Mutukwa, a catholic youth leader of Livingstone diocese, Zambia. |
Mundia Mutukwa, a Zambian Catholic youth leader of
Livingstone Diocese, says that the young people of the Diocese will take time
to read the letter of the Synod Fathers written to young people of the world.
Paul Samasumo – Vatican city
“Yes we have seen the news of the letter written by the
Synod Fathers, and we look forward to reading it,” Mundia said. Speaking to
Vatican News, Mundia also said the youth are grateful to Pope Francis for
dedicating time through a Synod to discuss issues that concern young people.
She described Livingstone Diocese’s rural and urban young people’s needs as
similar but diverse.
Pastoral activities for young people are important
“Livingstone Diocese is so vast. It comprises both rural and
urban areas though most of it is rural. The challenge we face is in bringing
together young people because of the distances. The division of the diocese in
three deaneries is a great help.” According to Mundia, it was important to have
pastoral activities for young people in order not to lose them to the world or
to other faiths.
African parents can be a great support for young people
Mundia also regretted some of the changes happening in
African societies because they erode family life and values which in turn
impact young people’s lives.
As a result, “Today’s African parents don’t have time to sit
as a family, we are talking of eating together and sharing life in common,”
Mundia said. African parents, she emphasised, are essential pillars of support
for younger persons not only through their example and guidance but also when
they encourage youth to participate in positive pastoral activities and
projects.
Young people in Africa should shun political violence
Asked why young people in Zambia are often at the forefront
of perpetuating political violence especially during election time, Mundia
attributed this to poverty, desperation and high levels of unemployment among
young people. Many young people, she said, fall prey to ill-intentioned
politicians in the hope of earning something -anything for a living.
Involve young people in matters of justice and peace
“Today, the Church talks about integral human development,
and so we need to involve young people in issues of justice and peace so that
they (young people) know why they should not allow themselves to be used as
tools or of political violence. In many (parts of Africa) young people are the
majority voters so if we have information and (we are aware of) consequences we
(can become) a positive force for good,” said Mundia.
The solution Mundia said also lies is in jobs for young
people, education and awareness programmes which highlight the consequences of
political violence.
“Many times we talk of issues of justice and peace, and yet
young people are not involved in (these programmes). Many times the Church
seems to prefer “old people” to champion matters of justice and peace.”
Mundia also spoke about the importance of pastors who
accompany young people and who do not give up on them even when they (young
people) sometimes “become sort of troublesome.”
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