This past Sunday, the Diocese of Rockford witnessed once again one of its most enthusiastic moments of the year at the annual youth summit.

 

As in past years, the venue at Rock Valley College was virtually filled. Over 1,300 Catholic young people from all over the diocese, with accompanying parents and adults, spent the day deepening the commitment to their Catholic faith.

 

What is remarkable about that day each year are the various  moments and reactions of faith lived by our young people. 

 

There were talks geared to young people and the issues that they encounter as they strive to live their Catholic identity. Those presentations seek not to lecture or simply inform the young people — they seek an engagement, almost a lively conversation.

 

The result was to build a sense of belonging and unity among the young people, the priests from their parishes who were able to come, and, yes, with their bishop. That sense of personal belonging and being possessed by our faith is a major goal of the annual summit.

 

Still, because this is a gathering of young people, we have to be aware of their youthful energy. 

 

The presence of a contemporary Catholic band is much appreciated by our young adults. Their music combines melodies appreciated by the participants with instructive and inspirational lyrics raising their hearts to Jesus, Mary and the duties of their faithful response to God’s call.

 

It is evident that the musical accompaniment is well practiced in providing for the different moments of such an event. 

 

At some moments our young people love to sing and dance in each other’s company. It’s a reminder that the faith that Jesus brings to us not only helps us through our sorrows, but also leads to real and authentic joy that is a foretaste of eternity with Him. 

 

During the celebration of the Mass, however, the music is appropriately modified to guide a sense of reverence and awe among our young people. The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is greeted by a very evident change of tone by those present. It is as if the young people were those on Palm Sunday, crying out with the psalm, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

 

Recently, the venerable German Cardinal Joachim Meisner passed away. At his funeral, a letter was read from his friend Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. 

 

Benedict said that in a recent conversation, Cardinal Meisner had told him that in spite of so many problems in the world and in the Church, he is supremely optimistic for the Church. He said the cardinal’s optimism was especially rooted in his observation of Catholic young people today.

 

In a special way, the cardinal highlighted two practices growing among our Catholic youth. Those are a return to confession and a rediscovery and love for eucharistic Adoration. So it was at the youth summit.

 

Priests from all over the diocese gave of their time to come and hear confessions. And the young people responded. Lines formed as young people prepared to seek God’s mercy, so often spoken of by Pope Francis. At the same time, in confession they offer their conversion of heart and soul.

 

Finally, the day concluded with an event that never fails to move souls each year. That is the eucharistic Adoration mentioned by the late Cardinal Meisner. 

 

With slow and reverent music, the crowd of young people were on their knees as the eucharistic presence of Jesus was carried through the gym to be enthroned on the altar. Even tears of emotion could be seen on some faces.

 

Yes, our young people face many challenges to their faith. They are growing up in an increasingly secularized society that tries to ignore God.

 

Events like the youth summit cannot answer all the problems of faith for young adults. But after such a day, many of our young people went home with a renewed sense of faith, of belonging to the Church and to Christ. 

 

We can be sure that Our Lord uses that opening to give His love, His graces, and His help to our young ones to embrace and stay with the faith that will lead them to their eternal home.