Father Frankely Rodríguez urges strengthening values-based education at home to combat crime
Within the framework of the commemoration of Saint Michael’s Day, the Dominican priest Frankely Rodríguez made a forceful call to society and, especially, to family units, to prioritize the formation of youth as the most effective strategy to curb the wave of violence and criminality affecting the country.
For the religious person, the family structure is the fundamental pillar upon which social well-being is built. According to their perspective, the stability of the home and the teaching of ethical principles are the essential ingredients for cultivating exemplary citizens.
The entire sea of society depends on the family. If there is a healthy family, there is a healthy society. If there is a good family, there is a good society. Therefore, everything depends on the family.
Frankely Rodríguez
The crisis of values and the lack of youth effort
During his speech, Rodríguez analyzed the causes that, in his view, push many young people toward the path of crime. The priest pointed out that there is a worrying trend in certain sectors of the youth that rejects the culture of work and academic preparation, prioritizing, instead, the attainment of immediate gratification and ostentatious lifestyles without making the necessary sacrifice.
- Lack of interest in technical or professional training.
- Desire to obtain comforts and luxuries without assuming work responsibilities.
- Search for shortcuts that, frequently, lead to illicit activities.
The religious leader warned that this mentality of an easy life often leads to tragic consequences. “They want to live at the expense of others. And how do they end up? Either in prison or dead,” he emphasized, underscoring the urgency of reorienting new generations toward the path of effort and legality.
The role of faith and family
In addition to parental responsibility, Father Rodríguez highlighted the importance of churches as spaces for social support. He asserted that faith and the fear of God act as a protective shield against the temptations of the social environment.
In the context of the Saint Michael festivities, the priest thanked the faithful who, despite the logistical limitations caused by construction around the square and the park, maintained their commitment to the religious celebrations. He reiterated that the strengthening of prayer and the close accompaniment of parents are the best tools to prevent children from becoming involved in situations that cause pain to their families and the community.
