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DEAR YOUTH

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Apr 29
  • 3 min read

Readings:

Hebrews 10:32-39

Psalm 37:3-6,23-24,39-40

Mark 4:26-34

 

‘Look, you will soon face a dangerous crisis; the devil will try to ensnare you. To start with, he will tell you that frequent Communion is good for children, not for adults, and that once in a great while is quite enough for you. Then, he will do his best to keep you from sermons by making you feel bored by God’s words. He will convince you that certain things are not sinful. Then you will have to tussle with friends and what they might say, with [dangerous] readings, with your passions, and so on. Be on your guard. Do not let the devil rob you of that peace of mind and purity of soul which makes you God’s friends!’


The words above are from the Saint of the Day, Saint John Bosco (1815–1888). He is renowned for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of young people. Born in Northern Italy during a period of upheaval following the Napoleonic Wars, he grew up amidst widespread drought, famine, and poverty. Orphaned at the age of two, young John aspired to become a priest but faced significant challenges due to his family’s destitution and his lack of formal education. A turning point came when a kind priest befriended him, teaching him to read and write and providing him with a few books. Through determination and self-teaching, John eventually entered the seminary, and after six years of study and discernment, he was ordained a priest in 1841 at the age of 26.


Assigned to Turin, Father John Bosco devoted himself to working with the poor, particularly children living in dire conditions. With the help of his mother, who became a key partner in his ministry, he provided lodging, food, and education to over 800 children by the 1860s. Recognising the importance of structure and community, he founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) in 1859, which was dedicated to educating and uplifting disadvantaged youth.


Canonised on Easter Sunday in 1934, Saint John Bosco was honoured with the title “Father and Teacher of Youth” in recognition of his transformative work.

  • Be a person of the Gospel and model your life on God’s word.

  • Being disadvantaged can be a blessing in disguise.

  • Push yourself to succeed against all odds.

  • By putting in effort, you increase your chances of success.

  • God will raise people to help you when you need it the most.

  • Growth might be imperceptible and slow, but it snowballs into something huge.

  • Remember your humble beginnings and lend others a helping hand.

  • Start where you are, commit to consistency and never stop believing.

                                                                                    JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Lord, I love you, and I want to do Your will always, everywhere, with everyone and in all things. Help me with Your grace and courage, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

  2. Eternal Father, I commit to You my thoughts, feelings, words and actions. I place under Your protection my plans, hope and dreams. I trust in Your will for me. Let it be done in my life through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
 
 

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