Young people must help build culture of life in world, says priest

Published: 2005-10-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The president of The Catholic University of America Oct. 8 urged Catholic youths to be involved in building a culture of life in the world even if some of the people they may look up to have compromised their values. Vincentian Father David O'Connell made the comments in his homily during a Mass he celebrated for young people and their families. The Mass was part of a life rally for youths and young adults at Catholic University during the 13th annual international week of prayer and fasting in Washington. Sixty-five percent of the world's population is younger than 25, the priest said. Some of the people these youths look up to "have compromised the most important things in life," he said, such as respect for human life and the importance of family. "Is it any wonder that many young people have lost their way?" he asked. Father O'Connell praised the youths in attendance for giving up their Saturday to come and be filled with the word of God. "You are waiting for God to speak to you as we together build a culture of life," he said. "If 65 percent of the world would listen to God, what a change it would be."

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