The Diocesan Youth Commission (KDZ) has endorsed the position taken by Church with regard to charity and the celebration of village feasts.

In a statement, it has also encouraged young people to reflect on the positive approach being adopted by the Church.

The diverse charitable initiatives and the youth’s contribution on these occasions show that the value of solidarity and charity are still very vibrant in our society, KDZ held.

“However, charity is true and genuine when the donation is done out of respect for the dignity of the person, love towards the recipient, and seeks to improve the life of others. Charity should mean more than giving a material donation. It should mean a deeper commitment on the part of the giver to get involved in the life of the people in need and to show solidarity with those suffering injustice. Showing constant care and concern is more meaningful to the suffering persons than handing out donations to them,” KDZ pointed out.

It added: “We find people in our villages and parish communities who need our presence and our help. Much-needed funds blown away in smoke for fireworks and in binge drinking during feasts will not help in facilitating the activities that give these people our much-deserving attention.”

KDZ, as the Diocesan Youth Commission, proposed that the village feast offered a golden opportunity to direct the young people’s creativity and energy toward addressing the needs of those in parishes who need help.