PASTORAL LETTER 2010
others, especially the marginalized: let us create in them an attitude of respect for others’ human dignity and of equal treatment to all.
2.3 Joseph Vaz, a Model for the Youth
In his youth, Joseph Vaz did his studies in the College of St Paul, at Old Goa. Both the good and the evil thrived in that great city, in those times. Many youngsters, companions of Joseph Vaz, were seen opting for the evil, rather than holding on to the good; rather than walking in the light, they were mired in the confusion of the darkness. In such a situation, Joseph Vaz became a mirror of virtue; He loathed the seductions which consumed the youth and thus became a model of purity.12 At his young age, he listened to God’s voice and, having said ‘yes’ to Him with all generosity, he enthusiastically shouldered His task. Offering guidance to his young nephew who had become a deacon, he exhorted him, as he went on growing, to be simple and pure as a child.13
Jesus loved the youngster who wanted to inherit life eternal by showing the way to get rid of worldly possessions (Mk 10:17-21). St. Paul advised Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth (1 Tim 4:12) and appealed to him to shun the passions of his youth (2 Tim 2:22). In the Pastoral Letter we wrote last year, we focused on the youngsters and acknowledged their power and responsibility. Young people are the hope of the Church14 and, for this very reason, Pope John Paul II, of happy memory, addressed to them an Apostolic Letter, in which he asked them to overcome evil by letting the Word of God abide in them.15
Today’s communication technology has unfolded a lot of good, leading to genuine progress; but, at the same time, there has
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12 Cf. Costa, Life, pgs. 13-14.
13 Cf. The letter dated 17. 08. 1708 in Rego, Vida, pp. 138-153.
14 Cf. Declaration on Christian Education, Gravissimum Educationis, (1965), no. 2.
15 Cf. Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II, Dilecti Amici, (1985), no. 15.