On Sunday May 20, fifty university students from across the USA descended upon the Holy See Mission to the UN in New York for a week long seminar looking the what the Holy See Mission does and why. Following Mass and dinner together on Sunday evening, the students were introduced to some members of the Holy See Mission to the United Nations. These members of the Mission provided an overview of the work done by the Holy See at the UN and a briefing about the week ahead. A variety of speakers from across the world have made time to meet with the students and share their perspectives on such topics as the ethical and social dimensions of economics, nuclear disarmament, and religious liberty.  On Tuesday the students toured the United Nations and met with diplomats from the United States Mission to the UN.  They also visited Ellis Island and the 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero. Apart from being immensely informative, this week functions as a reminder of the enthusiasm of young Catholics for social justice and the need for social action in our local communities and around the world.  At the heart of the Church’s social doctrine lies the fundamental principle of human dignity; a principal often overlooked or ignored, but one that finds its origins in works and teachings of our Lord himself. Sebastian Gomes is on location in New York City this week with the Holy See Mission to the UN.