The Catholic Church must do more to engage young people in its mission, lay leader Anna Amandus told a gathering of collaborators during a dialogue conducted by the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia).
Speaking in Tagaytay City on Feb. 9, the Malaysian delegate to the Synod on Synodality underscored the challenges youth face in the Church and society, calling for greater inclusion, mentorship, and spiritual formation to help them find their place in the faith community.
“If you ask me, ‘Where are the youth?’ They are everywhere. They are in the family, workforce, doctors, nurses, and teachers. They are also migrants. They are also refugees. They are also Indigenous people,” she said.
Citing statistics from the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), she underscored the major challenges confronting youth, including economic struggles, digital distractions, and social exclusion.
“Yes, young people experience setbacks, disappointments, and painful memories. Often feel the hurt of past failures, memories, frustrated desires, and experiences of discrimination and injustice. Of feeling unloved and unsettled,” she quoted from Christus Vivit, Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation to young people.
Amandus pointed out that young people are often misunderstood and misjudged. “Young people easily get jealous if they don’t understand who they are. They will compare themselves,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of forming young people with a sense of purpose and identity.
Amandus spoke about the necessity of engaging young people in Church life and decision-making. She referenced Pope Benedict XVI’s message to young people: “You have special place in my heart and in the whole church because the church is always young.”
She then challenged the Church leaders, saying, “Are we really trusting the young people?”
She lamented the generational gap between Church leadership and young Catholics, adding that the young people want to do something for the church yet the church keeps on condemning them.”
“Not only the Church,” she said, stressing that the Church needs to provide youth with opportunities to lead.
Amandus also warned about the effects of technology and social media, saying that young people are increasingly drawn to the digital world.
“Young people say, ‘I want to be an influencer. I want to be a content maker, YouTuber, everything.’ Yes, it’s good. Easy money making. It’s good. If it’s good. If they’re sharing the good things,” she cautioned, acknowledging both the opportunities and pitfalls of online influence.
Amandus emphasized the crucial role of spiritual formation in guiding young people’s future. Drawing from her own experience, she highlighted how it provides stability during difficult times and offers a strong support system when needed.
“Young people cannot walk alone. We need adults to journey with them, giving advice, listen to them, teach them, and train them,” she said.
Using the story of Samuel as an example, she pointed out how young people seek wisdom from their elders, but need to be heard and trusted.
Amandus urged Church leaders to embrace young people as partners in mission. “Synodality is about reconciliation and healing. If there is no reconciliation and healing, we cannot walk together also,” she said.
