Psalm 77, 3-8

We have heard and known such great things,

as our fathers have described to us.

These things have not been hidden

from their sons in any generation:

declaring the praises of the Lord, and his virtues,

and the wonders that he has done.

And he has received testimony with Jacob,

and he has set a law within Israel.

Such great things, he has commanded our fathers,

so as to make these things known to their sons,

so that another generation

might know them, and so that the sons,

who will be born and who will grow up,

shall describe them to their sons.

So then, may they put their hope in God,

and may they not forget the works of God,

and may they seek his commandments.

May they not become like their fathers,

a perverse and exasperating generation:

a generation that does not straighten their heart

and whose spirit is not trustworthy with God.

Benedict XVI, Homily at the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 45th World day of Peace, 2012/01/01

. . . I would like to underline the fact that, in the face of the shadows that obscure the horizon of today’s world, to assume responsibility for educating young people in knowledge of the truth, in fundamental values and virtues, is to look to the future with hope. And in this commitment to a holistic education, formation in justice and peace has a place. Boys and girls today are growing up in a world that has, so to speak, become smaller, where contacts between different cultures and traditions, even if not always direct, are constant. For them, now more than ever, it is indispensable to learn the importance and the art of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue and understanding. Young people by their nature are open to these attitudes, but the social reality in which they grow up can lead them to think and act in the opposite way, even to be intolerant and violent. Only a solid education of their consciences can protect them from these risks and make them capable of carrying on the fight, depending always and solely on the power of truth and good. This education begins in the family and is developed at school and in other formative experiences. It is essentially about helping infants, children and adolescents to develop a personality that combines a profound sense of justice with respect for their neighbour, with a capacity to address conflicts without arrogance, with the inner strength to bear witness to good, even when it involves sacrifice, with forgiveness and reconciliation. Thus they will be able to become people of peace and builders of peace.