Review article
The Importancs of Bl. Ivan Merz for Todays Youth. Ivan Merz – His Program of Life and Action for Young Catholics
Božidar Nagy
; Filozofski fakultet Družbe Isusove, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The Name "Ivan Merz" meant a program of life and action for a whole generation of young catholics. It must also mean the same today!" These were the words spoken by Pope John Paul II at the beatification of bl. Ivan Merz in Banja Luka on June 22nd 2003. Using those words as a starting point in the article, the author analyses possible ways of achieving the Pope's idea of how to make the character, deeds and message of bl. Ivan closer to them. Using his own personal experience in working with youth the author praises the achievements made by bl. Ivan during his life time which in turn can be of interest for a young people. There is a short overview of bl. Ivan and his life from the perspective of his life achievements. Pope John Paul II spoke on the topic of life "achievements" of bl. Ivan in his homily during the mass of beatification and pointed out that his greatest success was achieving sanctity and Christian values. The article then mentions the acknowledgment of Pope Benedict XVI given to the Croatian blessed Ivan Merz by listing him among the 18 greatest saints in the history of the Church that have distinguished themselves in eucharistic devotion. The article ends with the statement that the best way to learn about the spiritual greatness and the beauty of bl. Ivan's soul is by reading his texts especially his diary in which a young man can find many useful and encouraging data about for their spiritual life.
Keywords
the Pope; beatification; life and work program; success; eucharistic devotion; holiness; christian values; witness; patron; co-traveller; role-model; youth; the way; diary
Hrčak ID:
113168
URI
Publication date:
19.3.2008.
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