Although some time has passed, my thoughts of late have turned back to the Lent and Easter seasons of last year when I had the privilege of participating in the 9th International Youth Forum in Rome.  Organised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the forum was attended by delegates from over 80 countries and its theme was “Witnessing to Christ in the World of Work”.

All delegates were well established in the work force with the range of occupations including many teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, entrepreneurs, journalists, carpenters and even a funeral director.

During the days at the forum, from 28 March – 1 April, university professors, clergy and lay people addressed us on various topics.  Each address was concluded with the opportunity for delegates to take the microphone and share their own thoughts and experiences. During these open microphone opportunities I became acutely aware of just how relatively comfortable we are in this country, particularly when delegates from places such as Africa and South America talked about the injustice, poverty and lack of opportunities in their countries.  Despite the difficulties they face, their faith and hope for the future was undeniable.

A very interesting part of the forum was a presentation by Professor Michael Naughton. Professor Naughton works in the Centre for Catholic Studies at the University of St Thomas, Minnesota, in the United States.  Reflecting on the significance of human work in the light of Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical “Laborem Exercens” (On Human Work), the professor presented three models of work and leisure which are quite pertinent for workers in contemporary New Zealand.

One model, which typifies many young workers in this country, sees us working simply to exist – a kind of subsistence living. Once our work is finished, leisure time is devoted to amusement as a form of escapism – this results in a life geared towards gratification.

The second model sees work as directed entirely towards achievement and career advancement with leisure having its only value in helping us to rest so that we can be more productive – this ultimately leads to emptiness and burnout.

The third model presented work as a vocation, a calling to be whole and to exercise our gifts in serving others. We can achieve this only by having worship and contemplation at the heart of our leisure time. This leads to a well integrated life. It is only by getting leisure right, we were told, with Christ at its centre, that our work and the whole world of work can be sanctified.

Another valuable part of the forum was the opportunity to break into small working groups to discuss particular questions and then report our conclusions back to the entire forum. As part of a small English speaking group of delegates from diverse countries including India, Lebanon, Tanzania and Mongolia, we debated various questions concerning our vocation and mission as Catholic workers. We quickly realised that although the circumstances of our lives may be quite different, the challenges faced by each of us are remarkably similar.

We were particularly blessed during the forum to receive a letter written by Pope Benedict XVI. He had wished to visit the forum but heavy commitments that week made it impossible. In writing to us he addressed many of the issues facing young workers today and offered wise words of encouragement and advice.
 
Although the Pope was unable to visit the forum, we all saw him when, on a crisp and sunny Palm Sunday morning, we boarded buses and travelled from the Mondo Migliore convention centre to St Peter’s Square.  Seated directly to the side of the altar, we were blessed to participate in the Palm Sunday Mass which was celebrated by our good and humble Pope Benedict. Following the Mass, he entered an open jeep and spent a short time smiling and blessing us before circling around St Peter’s Square. Needless to say, he received rapturous applause and cheers from all present – an unforgettable experience with the Holy Father.

On reflection, the forum was an excellent experience and provided the opportunity for a few special days of formation, learning and communion with other members of the Universal Church.