In the United States, students of all ages, from elementary school to university, prepare to go back to school at the middle or end of August or the beginning of September.

For me, a retired college professor, August brings a mix of emotions: nostalgia from memories of the past and relief knowing that I no longer must face the stresses of preparing for the fall semester.

But overall, I still miss interacting with the students—their energy, their questions, and, above all, their eager focus on the future.

Pope Leo XIV’s message to youth

I was especially moved by Pope Leo XIV’s words during the Jubilee of Youth this month (July 28–August 3).

At the end of the opening Mass, the pope greeted the assembled young people enthusiastically, reminding them, in the words of the Gospel, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world!”

A few days later, Pope Leo celebrated the final Mass of the Jubilee outside of Rome, attended by almost a million young people from around the world. He added a note of hope for the future: “You are the sign that a different world is possible.”

On September 7, Pope Leo will canonize two young people who were indeed salt and light, signs of a positive future: Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis.

Inspiring action in the digital world

How can parents, pastors, and bishops respond to the pope’s energetic words to these young pilgrims?

First, young people often center their attention on the internet.

• Perhaps there are ways to use social media to help them express their faith.
• Encourage them to keep a spiritual journal on their computers.
• Maybe help them form a closed group on a favorite social media site to discuss their reflections.
• Computer buffs might set up their webpages and post images and links about their favorite saint or devotion.
• A group at a local school or parish could also share Evening Prayer together on a group video call.

Inspiring action in the community

Second, young people often want to go out and “do something.”

Many young saints in Christian history have gone outside the home to bring food to the poor or care for the sick. Volunteering their time at food pantries or hospitals is a good choice, and parishes or dioceses could help organise this activity.

Some have already suggested that Catholic Action could be reinvigorated with newer action groups that can also be formed to respond to contemporary issues.

Teaching catechism to younger children is another historical way for young people to become active in parishes and schools.

A shared mission across generations

Pope Leo’s words are a sign of hope to all Christians when the future can seem uncertain and dark.

As we older folks encourage and guide the younger, let us catch a bit of their energy and enthusiasm to become stronger salt and brighter light for the world in our own lives.

• Joanne M. Pierce, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita Department of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA.