Youth, Catholic Church and Religions in Asia

Young people throughout Asia represent a positive and promising gift to the Catholic Church, as well as a challenge because of their expectations and the particular circumstances of their lives. Amid dehumanizing social and cultural conditions, ethnic and religious discrimination, the digital and postmodern characteristics of this era of globalization, Asians youths are crying out their existential need for life, meaning, and for love. This longing can be satisfied with the encounter with Jesus Christ, the living God, who invites them to meet Him personally through the Church, so that they may discover and fulfil their true life. Against this backdrop, the present collection of essays examines the variety of issues concerning the new generation and the mission of the Church in Asian countries. How can the Church proclaim the Good News of Jesus, His Cross and resurrection to young people in Asia? How can they be accompanied effectively in their life journey toward salvation in Christ? The spiritual formation of young Asian Christians is of the utmost importance for the Church, in keeping with what Pope Francis has envisaged for the upcoming Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment, scheduled to take place in October 2018. The Church in Asia must be committed to young Christians, and should not be afraid to encourage them to embrace an authentic and demanding Christian life.