Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale214

8. To parents

You have been deeply shocked to learn of the terrible things that took

place in what ought to be the safest and most secure environment of all. In

today's world it is not easy to build a home and to bring up children. They

deserve to grow up in security, loved and cherished, with a strong sense of

their identity and worth. They have a right to be educated in authentic moral

values rooted in the dignity of the human person, to be inspired by the truth

of our Catholic faith and to learn ways of behaving and acting that lead to

healthy self-esteem and lasting happiness. This noble but demanding task is

entrusted in the first place to you, their parents. I urge you to play your part

in ensuring the best possible care of children, both at home and in society as a

whole, while the Church, for her part, continues to implement the measures

adopted in recent years to protect young people in parish and school envir-

onments. As you carry out your vital responsibilities, be assured that I

remain close to you and I offer you the support of my prayers.

9. To the children and young people of Ireland

I wish to offer you a particular word of encouragement. Your experience

of the Church is very different from that of your parents and grandparents.

The world has changed greatly since they were your age. Yet all people, in

every generation, are called to travel the same path through life, whatever

their circumstances may be. We are all scandalized by the sins and failures of

some of the Church's members, particularly those who were chosen especially

to guide and serve young people. But it is in the Church that you will find

Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and for ever.3 He loves you

and he has offered himself on the cross for you. Seek a personal relationship

with him within the communion of his Church, for he will never betray your

trust! He alone can satisfy your deepest longings and give your lives their

fullest meaning by directing them to the service of others. Keep your eyes

fixed on Jesus and his goodness, and shelter the flame of faith in your heart.

Together with your fellow Catholics in Ireland, I look to you to be faithful

disciples of our Lord and to bring your much-needed enthusiasm and idealism

to the rebuilding and renewal of our beloved Church.

3 Cf. Heb 13:8.