2014 College Captain Sebastian Duhau is currently visiting the Vatican as Australia’s youth auditor at the upcoming General Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.
Sebastian was nominated to participate in the General Synod along with young people from more than 40 countries. He will participate in small group discussions and deliberations and give a four-minute speech on issues affecting youth today.
The Australian bishops who will be attending the October 3 to 28 Synod in Rome include Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli, who was personally selected by Pope Francis, and two Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) delegates: Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Mark Edwards OMI.
Malcolm Hart, director of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference - Office for Youth, said Sebastian’s experience in youth ministry and leadership in parish, diocese, religious order and education settings would give him a comprehensive set of experiences to draw upon during the Synod.
“His current study in education and theology, together with the formative experiences in De La Salle ministries, provide reflective and prayer practices that will inform his participation through this important experience,” Mr Hart said.
Sebastian is excited about the opportunity and believes that one of the key concerns of young people is being heard and being listened to.
“Young people feel so many adults talk at them. They need to be heard more and young people need to have a voice and a say in what’s going on in the wider community and Church”, says Sebastian.
Sebastian said there was a wide range of topics being covered at the Synod and he was particularly interested in talking about vocations, not just in the traditional Church sense, but in the broader sense of the word. Vocation is being called to what God wants you to do. Sebastian believes that in all vocations you can live out your faith.
Sebastian’s appointment follows the release of results from the largest survey of young Catholics in Australia. Young people said they are concerned about: mental health, questions around identity, loneliness, relationships and friendships, the direction of society, politics and the Church, and living out their faith in the secular world.
The St Andrews College community congratulates Sebastian on his success since his 2014 graduation and wish him well in his endeavours as he takes the key concerns of young people to the Vatican.