NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ROME, 30 (NE) Within the frame of the celebration for the XIV World Youth Day Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, had an encounter over the weekend with the youth of the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, Italy. Presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration, the American Cardinal recalled the Pope's message for that day, urging the young people to be coherent with the gift of Baptism.

      Cardinal Stafford pointed out the necessity of understanding one's own identity as disciple of Christ, called to participate from the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. "Dear Young people: you are baptized in the name of Jesus. You are a new creation. Your life is different to that of those that still live in the old creature", he affirmed.

      The Cardinal also requested the youth to reject the countless offers that come from the culture of death, reminding them that they, through Baptism, have been called to a new life. Upon concluding his homily, Cardinal Stafford exhorted the youth to meditate "on the mysteries of their initiation in the event of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus", as a preparation for the World Youth Day of the year 2000.

      Meanwhile in Nairobi, Kenya, Catholic World News reported that Catholics youths in Kenya rallied on Sunday to protest a new campaign by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote condom use to prevent AIDS.

      Archbishop David Mucheke of Nyeri said the youths reject "the liberalization of morality as advocated by some NGOs who are pushing for the legalization of decadent sexual behavior." The youths also called for the teaching of morality and the message of abstinence to curb the spread of the killer disease.

      The youth rally came during the celebration of the 14th World Youth Day on Palm Sunday.