The youth were asked how did the realities they face jibe with their perception of the "holy life." Interestingly, the young people regard the religious very highly. They see priests and nuns as holy, but goes to the point of being unforgiving for any mistake they commit. They acknowledge that not everyone has a "calling" and that those people have committed themselves to a life of service.
Two important factors influence this perception of the holy life. These are the lack of interface with priests and nuns which make them hold on to old misperceptions, and the media mileage on the Church's stand on political issues is misconstrued as meddling in the affairs of the State. Thus, this creates a dissonance to (1) a life of confinement that puts a barrier for the young people in their desire to enjoy their youth and to be able to take control of their own future. It also (2) reinforces to them their concept of a parent that asks "How can he be a father to me when I can't even talk to him?" This concept also makes them see that (3) nuns are subservient women who are removed from today's ideal women. Also, the youth have realized that they must live a lifetime of service to others but believes that they can serve their families even without becoming a priest or a religious.
Challenges
In all of these, there now comes about a big challenge to those who are promoting the specific vocation to the priesthood and religious life. Being closer to the youth makes a whole lot of difference. But one must not see the young people in terms of being candidates to the priestly or religious life. They must be seen as persons and possible friends. Those who are in close contact with priests and nuns have had a better appreciation of the religious life and its beautiful influence on others. In fact, some of the youths interviewed have said, "I know that I would get a better advice from a priest. It's a good thing he is quite approachable." / "They were with us in Gawad Kalinga. We shared the same difficulties and hardships." / "Sister is cool! She even knows the songs I like!" / "I never realized that she can go out...even to the malls?!" The priests and religious must not come out as different from others. They are not removed from from the reality of other people's lives. The youth may have the lack of openness to consider the religious vocation because of their desire for building a family, or their lack of knowledge about the "holy life," thus their seeming disinterest in entering the seminary or convent, but they can have a different mindset if they see the "holy people" becoming part of their very own experience.
This also does not mean that the youth are closed to the idea of living a life in faith. In fact, the young people believe that this is a way they could keep themselves in check and avoid the bad influences that may impede their future success. They also want to feel that their world is not different the "holy people" they have met -- that priests and nuns are able to know, understand and be part of their issues and experiences in life.
If such is the case, how are the clergy and the religious to respond to the challenges of contemporary times? How can they tell others that the "holy ones" are no different from the lives that people are living today? How can specific vocations to the priesthood and religious life be appreciated by the youth?
Perhaps these suggestions can be practiced:
(1) BE "APPROACHABLE" NOT "UNTOUCHABLE"
The first step needed is to ":humanize" priests and nuns in the eyes of the youth. The young people would like to take the journey together, but there are times when the young people do not know if the religious can make it with them.
(2) "LEVEL WITH ME"
The young people would like to understand the application and relevance of God's Word in today's context. They would like it presented to them in an interesting and engaging manner. Talking to the teens in their "vernacular" would also help address their misperceptions that priests/nuns are "different" and that "they would not understand me."
(3) "WALK THE TALK"
The youth of today are a generation tired of lip-service. They want to see their parish priests making a tangible difference in their daily lives. Only then can the religious earn the respect and credibility of being a friend and a moral guide. Remember, integrity of life is important to the youth today.
(4) "PRIESTS AND NUNS ARE EQUAL"
There is a lingering perception that nuns play second fiddle to priests. This makes their role seem of secondary importance as well. If young girls are to be enticed into the religious vocation, perhaps a distinct and "equalizing" role can be prescribed for nuns.
Being Attuned & Staying In Touch
Today, one can see the strong influence of media in the minds of the youth. Media has had a great impact on most of the young people that whatever it projects seem to be "gospel-truth." This is quite alarming because media is now the "teacher" and "formator" in almost all fields. But those in the "holy life" cannot simply "fight" with media. It could also be a source of blessing when used properly. In fact, it has not been used by the Church to work for its advantage. Sometimes, media has maximized itself into a force that destroys the credibility and integrity of those in Church. But it must be seen that all modes of media appeal to this new generation of the young. Thus, a tool for invitation to the religious life can be through the same media. There are priests who produce CD's of their songs and do concerts that has not only entertained the youth but has led them to discover their own calling in life. Vocation posters , cards and brochures should not be a drag. These could be opportunities to show to people a life of real companionship and journey towards real commitment -- an authentic presentation of what the youth could expect. There have been dioceses like Manila, Antipolo, Pasig and Cabanatuan, and religious communities like the Jesuits who employ advertising agencies or even using their own manpower and resources to do "unconventional" vocation promotion just to satisfy the curiosity of the youth and stay attuned with them. Some religious have already made use of some media outlets like television and movies, radio and print advertisements to bring out an honest-to-goodness message of a calling. The social networking sites are now also being maximized to be able to stay in touch with many young people.
With all these being done, are the religious - our priests and nuns - to be seen as publicity hungry men and women? Are they doing this just to be able to attract more vocations to the priesthood and religious life? Perhaps, partly, it is part of the intention but not wholly. Reality needs to be brought forth -- one which has been lost at times to those in the "holy life." There is a need to present a life that is real and authentic. That in committing oneself to God, it is a life that can be full of joy and not distanced from the world. It is a life that can still relate well with others. It is a life that can accompany and journey with others in its truest sense.
One must rediscover the need to make a difference in the lives of young people today. But the priests and religious have to do it by being one with the people of today, especially the youth. By making the youth feel that the "holy ones" are capable of journeying with them, a new reality will surely ensue. Only then will the priests and religious of contemporary times stand a chance of winning the youth to their side and invite them into the "holy life!"
(End)
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