Lasallian Youth Link
An Official OSA publication
Volume 1
Issue 8
March 2003

THIS MONTH
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2003
LASALLIAN YOUTH EVENTS
SONG
A THOUGHT
FEATURED WEBSITE
REFLECTION
FINAL WORD




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--- THIS MONTH
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March 2003 will go down in history as month when another unnecessary war started. Despite all world religious leaders agreeing that the war should not have started a handful of politicians think otherwise.   All of us have prayed for peace, and even at this stage we should keep praying for peace and for all the children that are being badly affected by such acts. 
On the local scene during March the OSA held  a meeting with the FSA (former student association) and discussed a number of issues common to both associations.  The project of setting up a local youth movement as part of our international commitment was also tackled.

At the end of March the OSA held its annual general meeting.  The address of the chairman, David Musu, will be featured in a future issue of this youth link.

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--- MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY
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The following are excerpts from the message  by the Pope to young people on the occasion of the 18th World Youth Day.  The theme for this year is "Behold, your mother!"  (Jn 19,27)

My dear young people!

It always gives me great joy to address a special message to you on the occasion of World Youth Day. It is also a way to show you the extent of my affection for you. The vivid recollection of my experiences during our World Youth Day meetings is impressed on my memory:  young people and the Pope together, and a large gathering of bishops and priests, all with our gaze on Christ, light of the world, invoking him and proclaiming him to the entire human family. While I give thanks to God for the witness of faith that you have given once again recently in Toronto, I renew the invitation I made to you on the banks of Lake Ontario: "the Church today looks to you with confidence and expects you to be the people of the Beatitudes!"

For the 18th World Youth Day that will be celebrated in dioceses all over the world, I have chosen a theme related to the Year of the Rosary: "Behold, your mother!" (Jn 19,27). Before his death, Jesus entrusted to the apostle John what was most precious to him:  his Mother, Mary. These are the final words of the Redeemer, and therefore they take on a solemn nature and could be regarded as his spiritual testimony.

With Mary, the handmaiden of the Lord, you will discover the joy and fruitfulness of the hidden life. With her, disciple of the Master, you will follow Jesus along the streets of Palestine, becoming witnesses of his preaching and his miracles. With her, the sorrowful Mother, you will accompany Jesus in his passion and death. With her, Virgin of hope, you will welcome the festive Easter proclamation and the priceless gift of the Holy Spirit.


By following the example of Mary, you should know how to give Him your unconditional "yes". There is no place in your lives for selfishness or laziness. Now more than ever it is crucial that you be "watchers of the dawn", the lookouts who announce the light of dawn and the new springtime of the Gospel of which the buds can already be seen. Humanity is in urgent need of the witness of free and courageous young people who dare to go against the tide and proclaim with vigour and enthusiasm their personal faith in God, Lord and Saviour.

You are also aware, my dear friends, that this mission is not easy. It becomes absolutely impossible if one counts only on oneself. But "what is impossible with men is possible for God" (Lk 18,27; 1,37).


My dear young people, the next World Meeting will be held, as you know, in Germany in 2005 in the city and diocese of Cologne. The road is still long, but the two years that separate us from that appointment can serve as a time of intense preparation. To help you on this path, I have chosen the following themes for you:

- 2004: 19th World Youth Day: "We wish to see Jesus" (Jn 12,21);
- 2005: 20th World Youth Day: "We have come to worship him" (Mt 2,2).

Meanwhile, you will meet in your local Church on Palm Sunday: live this experience with commitment, in prayer, in attentive listening and joyful sharing in these opportunities for "ongoing learning", and showing your lively devout faith! Like the Magi, you too should be pilgrims stimulated by the desire to find the Messiah and to adore Him! Courageously proclaim that Christ, who died and is risen, has vanquished evil and death!

In these times threatened by violence, hatred and war, you must witness that he and he alone can give true peace to the heart of individuals, families and peoples on this earth. Commit yourselves to seeking and promoting peace, justice and fellowship. Do not forget the words of the Gospel: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Mt 5,9).


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--- LASALLIAN YOUTH EVENTS
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Over the next few months there will be a number of gatherings for Lasallian youth.

The District of San Francisco Office of Education is pleased to announce the fifth annual Lasallian Youth Assembly, "Un Mundo." The assembly will be held at the University of San Diego, California, July 27 - August 1, 2003. A committee of Lasallian Collegians and local Lasallians from the San Diego/Tijuana area has been meeting to plan an engaging week of prayer, service, and celebration. The conference is open to all Lasallian high school students (English speaking).


For more information see: http://www.delasalle.org/new/lasallian_youth.shtml
contact Robert Jordan at [email protected].


In Europe, from  Wednesday 23 July to Monday 28th July, 2003, Lasallian youth shall be meeting in Poland.  We shall be giving you more information about this event in the next youth link in April.  Should any of you be interested to know more before that time kindly send an e-mail to [email protected]


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--- THIS MONTHS' SONG
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The following are the lyrics of a very famous lasallian song. You can click on the link to hear the music. (need to have quicktime installed)

http://www.geocities.com/osays/songs/wintl.mov

WALK IN THE LIGHT

The Spirit lives to set us free,

Walk, Walk in the light.

He binds us all in unity,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:

Walk in the light,

Walk in the light,

Walk in the light,

Walk in the light of the Lord.


Jesus promised life to all,

Walk, Walk in the light.

The dead were wakened by his call,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:.......


He died in pain on Calvary,

Walk, Walk in the light.

to save the lost like you and me,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:.......


We know his death was not the end

Walk, Walk in the light.

He gave us his Spirit to be our friend,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:.......


By Jesus' love our wounds are healed,

Walk, Walk in the light.

The Father's kindness is revealed,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:.......


The Spirit lives in you and me,

Walk, Walk in the light.

His light will shine for all to see,

Walk, Walk in the light.


Chorus:.......



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--- THOUGHT
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"Love is the answer no matter the question".

Don't take this quiz.  Just read it through.  Food for thought!


1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and
actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of
yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their
fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through
school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a
difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something
worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel
appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired
you.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the
ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones that care.

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--- FEATURED WEBSITE
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http://www.mgl-online.org
This is a very impressive site about the Lasallian Youth movement in Italy.  It is truly a site on which other lasallian youth sites can be based on. 
We invite you to visit this site and to register your details http://www.mgl-online.org/user.php?op=register&module=NS-NewUser


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--- REFLECTION
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The light of Christ

Christ's light was not lit once and then extinguished.
For two thousand years
His light has shone upon the world.
And it will continue to shine
On all who believe in him and follow him.
The light of Christ is a persistent light,
And has the power to draw people to its shining.
It shines in the midst of disasters and upheavals.
It is a defiant light,
Which no darkness can overpower.
Its purpose is not to judge us,
But to show us the way to the Father's kingdom.
God has called us out of darkness
Into the wonderful light of his Son.
We must live as children of the light.
So, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

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---FINAL WORD
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Seeing that this edition of the Youth Link is the last one being sent before Easter Sunday we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Easter. We will keep you all in our prayers in the coming days of reflection towards the end of lent.

Hope all of you enjoyed this edition of the Lasallian Youth Link.
If you have any suggestions, comments or articles you would like to send
please feel free to do so at the above address.




Regards

Ivan , Mark and David.