“Here it’s hard to be young”” “

Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are looking forward to the visit of Pope Francis in Sarajevo. With their minds and hearts anticipating next June 6, they long to listen to the words of the Pope, to his encouragements, and to feel his closeness towards a Country that is still suffering from the wounds inflicted by the 1990s armed conflict. Although the younger generation did not experience the war in first person they still bear the scars. They were made orphans, with no point of reference. And Pope Francis will come to reinvigorate their dreams. “It will be a very emotional moment for all young people – Fr Šimo Maršic, in charge of youth Pastoral Care for the archdiocese of Sarajevo, told SIR -. The Pope’s visit will also be a strong encouragement for them to step up efforts, to give a greater contribution, for themselves and for the future of the Country. May his visit give them the courage”. Developing capabilities. Youth pastoral ministry was established by the diocese of Sarajevo in 2004 when a dedicated office was set up and later a commission, chaired by cardinal Vinko Puljiæ , tasked with deciding which projects need to be promoted, spreading information on parish activities, discussions on themes and problems. In 2007 was set up the John Paul II Youth Centre (currently being developed) which, Fr Maršiæ said, “stems from the yearning for a place where youth pastoral care can be developed”. “The Centre works in two directions. First of all, it is aimed at helping young Catholics develop their capabilities, helping them finish their studies, be accepted in the job environment, have a place where they can feel at home, where they can meet, pray, go to church. Moreover, the centre was created with the intention of reaching out to other young people in the country, for a new perspective that goes beyond prejudices, thereby creating areas for encounter. “In this respect the activities of the Youth Ministry (countless projects addressed to various age groups, from 10 up to 30 years) increasingly follow the direction of an ecumenical dialogue with the Orthodox Church as well as Interreligious dialogue with Muslim and Jewish communities. Prejudice, divisions. The effects of the peace agreements signed in Dayton in 1995, which in fact marked the separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina on an ethical basis, are reflected also at youth level. The post-war generation has grown up divided into ethnic groups and nationalities also because of a short-sighted educational system, based on the separation of the three constitutive populations. “Things aren’t at all easy for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the words and in the stories told by their parents they perceive all the prejudices that divide the various ethic groups. Furthermore, our educational system is very complex and it fails to further true education”. This had disastrous consequences. “Many young people grow up without ever experiencing the encounter with their peers from a different ethnic groups or religions. It’s a major problem: prejudice spreads when people fail to get to know one another. Daily relations lack personal experience and knowledge of others, who are thus perceived as strangers. The encounter with others – whether Catholic, Muslim, Orthodox or Jewish – helps eradicate prejudice and stereotyping. The fact that only the Catholic school is multiethnic – with 60% Catholic, 30% Muslim and 10% of students from other religions – is paradoxical”. Few expectations and escape options. Society and politics also fail to meet the expectations of the young generations. The economic crisis and widespread corruption have in fact immobilized the Country. “In this situation – Maršiæ added – increasing numbers of youths are seeking escape options: crime, drugs, other extremisms that include also religious drifts, or moving abroad. According to official figures, the overall unemployment rate is around 40-44%, while youth unemployment has reached 60%, but it seems more. This is why young people feel hopeless, they can’t imaging their future in this country. This has catapulted them into a sort of lethargy, immobility. It plunged them into inertia. Those who decide to stay should instead devote all their talents to the future of Bosnia-Herzegovina. I believe that the meeting with the Pope will give a great impetus in this direction. It represents a source of hope for them, so that they may take the future into their own hands”. A moment of reflection. In the meantime the young people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are preparing to receive the Pope. There are no events planned for March 29, on the occasion of the celebration of the diocesan WYD. However, a moment of reflection on the Pope’s message to young people is scheduled for the last Saturday in May. It’s a meeting charged with anticipation, where will also be discussed the participation of the Bosnian delegation at the next WYD in Krakow in 2016, which Fr Maršiæ assured, “will be numerous”.