Recently I went up the hill to Laventille and had a talk with the youth group at the Shrine. It was interesting and heart rending to hear the stories of these young people as they related the way they are treated by society.

They spoke of their difficulties in obtaining employment for as soon as it was found out that they lived in Laventille all employment doors were shut in their faces. They nevertheless continue to face life bravely though surrounded by crime in their neighbourhood and ridicule outside of their community.

How are they able to survive despite these odds? This is the burning question I put to them. Their response was that they knew they were not abandoned and were not left as orphans for the parish priest had invited them first to go with him on outings, then he suggested that they form a youth group. This they did and together, with the help of Fr Dwight, they have been able to withstand any pressures that they face.

Now they are an example not only to the youth in their community but also to many, both young and old in the nation. They have been able to do this as they were given an “ advocate ”, their parish priest, who brought the Spirit of truth and what he was able to share with them will stay with them forever.

Others in the community, in the world outside, who have no experience of what they have, do not know this Advocate so they can never receive him.

It is therefore a love of what they do, and what they now live that keeps them together. They spoke about helping other youth, especially children in the primary school.

They assist them in sports and give them a spiritual grounding in catechetical classes. And so they are like one family and are enjoying immensely this experience in life.

They know they are following a way of life that has tough rules and these are their commandments, but there is a deep love existing among them, so their true experience is reflected in the reading: anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.

Lord, we thank you for these youths of Laventille who have come together as your Advocate to bring the Spirit of truth to those around them. We thank you for sending the parish priest who has given them hope and so they know that you will not leave them orphans. We thank you for youth who often, against great odds are able to keep your commandments. We know that you will give them the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, to help them along on their journey.

We thank you for parish priests like Fr Dwight Merrick who have come like another “Advocate” to help the young people and show them that they are not left orphans.

We ask your forgiveness for the times when we reject the young and leave them with a stigma. Forgive us for those times when we refuse to employ people, though they are fully qualified, just because of where they live. Forgive us for those times when we show prejudice and bias against others because of race or colour.

Send us “Advocates” – teachers, priests, leaders in the community, political and spiritual leaders who will be your “Advocates” and bring the Spirit of truth that will remain with us forever. This way we will understand that you and the Father are one and you are in us and we are in you. Amen.

Today's Gospel Meditation is by Felix Edinborough, director of Catholic Communications Studios and a parishioner of St Anthony's, Petit Valley .