Speaker urges youths to think for themselves, not just be sponges

Published: 2004-07-16

ERIE, Pa. (CNS) -- Sommer Stowe, a 29-year-old musician and vocalist, urged youths gathered at an annual Erie diocesan youth festival to think for themselves, not just soak up "the things of the world like sponges." Stowe was a keynote speaker at the June festival, which drew 300 youths, volunteers and youth leaders to Camp Notre Dame in Fairview. The event, called "Journey to Emmaus," was organized by the Erie Diocesan Youth Office. In an interview with the Lake Shore Visitor, Erie's diocesan newspaper, Stowe said she "talked a lot about being blind and being able to see -- more like spiritual sight." "I talked about how that relates to authentic freedom," she added. "John Paul II says (authentic freedom) is following Christ and avoiding evil and really challenging youth."

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