Canadian Bishops issue letter to young people on chastity

The Commission for Doctrine of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) released today a pastoral letter to young people on chastity.

"Chastity is a very real challenge, particularly for young people in our country today. We want to encourage those young people who are struggling to live a life of chastity that their bishops stand prayerfully with them and are there to support and encourage them," said Commission Chairman Archbishop J Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver. "I am certain that young people striving to be faithful to the Gospel are not afraid of a challenging and authentic love. It is the only kind that ultimately gives true joy!" he added.

In its pastoral letter, the Commission recommended that young people surround themselves with friends who also want to live in a chaste manner. It is also pointed to the importance of prayer, the practice of confession, and receiving spiritual guidance.

According to the letter, chastity is an offering of oneself in response to God's gift in Jesus Christ. This echoes the words of Pope Benedict XVI at his papal inauguration: "If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. . . . I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return."

The launch of the pastoral letter is being assisted by Salt + Light Television with a video production. The letter and video can be downloaded freely from www.cccb.ca. Printed copies can be ordered from the CCCB Publications service at www.cccbpublications.ca.

Source: CCCB