Our world is battered and broken in so many ways.  At the Opening Mass for World Youth Day Poland last year Pope Francis called on those gathered to have a positive impact on the world.  He asked them whether they could change the world.   The crowd shouted YES!  Pope Francis is relying on young people to fix our broken world. The first steps of change come in the form of a Synod on Young People, the Faith and Discernment of Vocation at which Cardinals and Bishops will meet in October 2018.   In a letter from Pope Francis to young people dated 13 January 2016 Pope Francis recognises that YES shout came from “young and youthful hearts, which do not tolerate injustice and cannot bow to a “throwaway culture” nor give in to the globalisation of indifference”. He urges young people to listen to the cry arising within their inner selves and not to be afraid.  He firmly believes that a better world can be built as a result of their desire to change and a willingness to make bold choices. In April this year, I was lucky enough to attend a preparatory meeting for this Synod.  Two representatives attended each from over 100 countries and 40 youth movements.   I have returned home to Aotearoa New Zealand with two phrases in my mind take a risk and be courageous!   The time has come for us to read the signs of the times, to listen intently to young people and to accompany
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