Spanish bishop warns youths against self-centered attitude

Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde of Vitoria, Spain, issued a warning that due to their upbringing and education, certain young people are “at risk” for developing a self-centered attitude.

In his address on August 4 at solemn vespers in honour of Our Lady of the Snows (the White Virgin), the patroness of Vitoria, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the city formally naming her as its patroness, the bishop warned that if we don’t succeed in getting our young people to love, help, and reciprocate generously.

Elizalde emphasised that adopting that strategy with young people indicates that we aren’t “really loving them.” The exact opposite is true: “We will be robbing them of their roots.”

The prelate highlighted that if we aren’t providing hope or if we can’t halt young suicide, addictions, or violence, then something is wrong.

The bishop, on the other hand, stated that the celebrations in honour of the city’s patroness “reinvigorate the desire to live” and as a result, to defend “life from the moment of conception until its natural end,” as well as for “the men and women who in their adulthood bear the weight of society,” and for the elderly who are “mistreated, isolated, and weakened by so much pandemic.”

The “irrepressible delight” of feeling like a child of God, according to Elizalde, is the Church’s offer to the city of Vitoria because “while contemplating the White Virgin, where are you? within her arms.

In addition to being “tremendous strength in difficulties,” “profound consolation” in times of sorrow, “high spirits when there is meaning, a life project, and a future,” and “serene peace charged with hope” when one’s own strength fails, that joy also serves as “tremendous strength.”

Spanish-language news partner of CNA, ACI Prensa, first published this article. CNA has translated and modified it. Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde of Vitoria, Spain, issued a warning that due to their upbringing and education, certain young people are “at risk” for developing a self-centered attitude.

In his address on August 4 at solemn vespers in honour of Our Lady of the Snows (the White Virgin), the patroness of Vitoria, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the city formally naming her as its patroness, the bishop warned that if we don’t succeed in getting our young people to love, help, and reciprocate generously.

Elizalde emphasised that adopting that strategy with young people indicates that we aren’t “really loving them.” The exact opposite is true: “We will be robbing them of their roots.”

The prelate highlighted that if we aren’t providing hope or if we can’t halt young suicide, addictions, or violence, then something is wrong.

The bishop, on the other hand, stated that the celebrations in honour of the city’s patroness “reinvigorate the desire to live” and as a result, to defend “life from the moment of conception until its natural end,” as well as for “the men and women who in their adulthood bear the weight of society,” and for the elderly who are “mistreated, isolated, and weakened by so much pandemic.”

The “irrepressible delight” of feeling like a child of God, according to Elizalde, is the Church’s offer to the city of Vitoria because “while contemplating the White Virgin, where are you? within her arms.

Amid addition to being “tremendous strength in difficulties,” “deep consolation” in times of sadness, “high spirits when there is meaning, a life project, and a future,” and “serene tranquilly charged with hope” when one’s own power fails, that joy also serves as “tremendous strength.”

Spanish-language news partner of CNA, ACI Prensa, first published this article. CNA has translated and modified it.