By Maria Bohan
Behold, children are a heritage from God, the fruit of the womb a reward.
-Psalm 127:3
There is a reason why people have been searching for a “Fountain of Youth” for centuries—with youth comes an invigorating energy and tireless drive to stand up for what you believe in.
Unfortunately, many young people in our world are faced with great hardships, like war, famine, disease, and homelessness.
We will never know the impact they can have unless we help them overcome those obstacles.
Last Sunday marked International Youth Day, a day that the United Nations declared in recognition of the invaluable role of youth in our society, and to call attention to the challenges they face. 1
This year, the UN is promoting its #SafeSpaces4Youth Campaign, which makes a priority of creating safe spaces for young people, where they can safely gather and enjoy themselves.
Volunteering at your local YMCA or joining a Big Brothers Big Sisters program are great ways to positively impact young people.
For now, at least, say a prayer for the well being of our world’s youth.
Prayer for Youth
Loving God, you look with compassion on all your children, especially those who are vulnerable.
May we work to create a world in which every child has access to food, clean water, shelter, education, healthcare, and all other basic rights.
May we teach youth about their role in working for peace, justice, and the common good.
May we act together to ensure that the lives and dignity of children everywhere can be respected. Amen.
As children of one heavenly God, we pray, "Our Father…"
(adapted from the USCCB)
Maria Bohan is a Volunteer for the Communications and Development Office at the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York. She is a student at Bryn Mawr College majoring in English and a graduate of Pearl River High School.