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If someone asked you if you would do anything for Jesus, or if you were a doubter or spiritually paralyzed, how would you answer?
Teens at the New York Catholic Youth Day at St. Joseph’s Seminary April 11 were asked just that by Doug Tooke of Monarch Catholic Ministries. He delivered a presentation outside on the main stage for the 1,500 youths present during two sessions focused on the reading from Mark 2, which tells of Jesus healing a paralyzed man.
Describing the story in detail, Tooke noted the different types of people in it. There are the spiritually paralyzed—like the man on the plank being lowered. Then there are the unbelievers—who are annoyed at the dirt and sticks falling onto their face and clothing from the roof that is being destroyed. Lastly, there are the friends who would climb onto a roof with the paralyzed man, dig a big enough hole and lower him in no matter the consequences because their belief was so strong.
Tooke told the teens he could see himself being like different characters at points during his life, and noted that roles could change over time.
“Today is about your heart,” Tooke said, “and how to see God better.”
The day was sponsored by the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Office directed by Father Joseph Espaillat. The theme was, “Blessed Are the Pure in Heart For They Shall See God.” It is directly tied to the theme for the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland, “Blessed Are the Merciful, For They Will Be Shown Mercy.”
“I am really hopeful that the young people live out this year’s theme and realize that God is calling them to live in holiness,” Father Espaillat said.
Father Espaillat explained, “My prayer for the young people is that they come to understand that God loves us so much he left us the Commandments and the Beatitudes, not as rules to be followed but as guidelines to freedom.”
Cynthia Martinez, the office’s associate director, told CNY, “Our former pope, Benedict XVI, said, ‘The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.’ Our Church needs them to be bold witnesses of faith, and especially to stand out against those images presented to them daily of who they should be according to worldly standards.”
Cardinal Dolan served as principal celebrant of the closing Mass held outdoors on seminary grounds. Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne, episcopal vicar of Dutchess, Putnam and Northern Westchester, was among the concelebrants.
The cardinal’s homily focused on the Gospel reading about the story of “Doubting Thomas.”
Blessed are those who believe without seeing, said the cardinal, who then referred to his time as a priest in St. Louis where he knew a Vietnam veteran named Noah who came back from the war blind and disfigured. The cardinal described him as “one of the holiest, happiest men I ever met.”
When the cardinal asked Noah how he could be so happy, instead of bitter or in despair, Noah told the cardinal, “The most important things in life you cannot see.”
The cardinal emphasized to the youths that no matter what society says, it is precisely those things that one cannot see that matter most, such as trust, Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist, mercy, heaven, hope, honor and values.
Throughout the day, participants could go to confession, pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the seminary chapel, and visit exhibitions including those by Lighthouse Media, Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries, Sisters of Christian Charity, and more.
Another presentation, “Clear Heart, Clear Eyes,” was delivered by Brian Greenfield, Hard as Nails Ministry. The Ike Ndolo Band also performed.
Hannah Sheboy, 17, of St. Mary’s parish in Washingtonville, told CNY “It’s a great experience to see young Catholics. It makes you feel like you are part of something bigger.”
She said one of the lessons she learned was, “You yourself have to change to understand how God wants you to impact the world.”
Rebeca Balbin, 17, also of St. Mary’s, Washingtonville, remarked that Tooke’s presentation made an impression on her. “It was about how sacrifice is essential for love to exist. People don’t normally recognize that.”
Denisse Castillo, 14, of Christ the King in the Bronx, said, “It’s good to see youth with spirit.” The music, especially, stood out to Denisse. “Everyone was dancing and getting into it,” she said.
Stephen Okonkwo, 17, of Christ the King in the Bronx, was a first-time attendee. “Society can be very distracting,” he said. “This day gives me hope that there are youths who are willing to keep their mind focused and to form that bond with God and to get others to do the same.”
