Young People and Discernment of Vocations According to the Teachings of Saint John Paul II
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Date
2020
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The Person and the Challenges: The Journal of Theology, Education, Canon Law and Social Studies
Abstract
Many young men and women are often confused when it comes to choosing their vocations
and careers. According to Pope John Paul II in PastoresDaboVobis, “Each Christian
vocation comes from God and is God’s gift. However, it is never bestowed outside of or
independently of the Church. Instead it always comes about in the Church and through
the Church a luminous and living reflection of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.” What
churches are doing with youth is commendable. Pope John Paul II earned the confidence
of young people because he took them seriously. They sensed that he understood their
concerns. He challenged them to give their lives to Christ. He appealed to their high
ideals, inviting them to take a lead in the New Evangelization. Amidst the contemporary
challenges facing young people, it would be appropriate to find ways of helping youth
discern God’s call in their daily struggles. This implies learning to discern God’s voice
hidden in the chaos of other worldly voices. The worldly allurements seem to have a great
impact amongst youth. They therefore require some guidance from their parents and
spiritual leaders in order for them to make the right decisions. This article looks at how
Pope John Paul II treated the issue of vocational discernment among young people.
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Keywords
John Paul II, Vocation, Discernment, Young People