CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 5, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today before praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
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Dear brothers and sisters!
First of all I am sorry for being late! I have just returned at this moment from Carpineto Romano, where, 200 years ago, Pope Leo XIII was born, Vicenzo Gioacchino Pecci. I thank the Lord for having been able to celebrate the Eucharist among his fellow citizens [of Carpineto Romano] on this important occasion. I would now like briefly to present my recently published Message for the 26th World Youth Day, which will take place in Madrid in less than a year.
The theme that I have chosen for this message takes up a theme of the Letter to the Colossians of the Apostle Paul: «Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith» (2:7). It is a resolutely counter-current proposal! Indeed, who today proposes to young people to be “planted” and “firm”? Rather, uncertainty, mobility, volubility are exalted … all aspects that reflect a culture that is indecisive in regard to basic values, principles on the basis of which one’s life is oriented and regulated.
In reality, I myself, through my experience and through contact I have with young people, know well that every generation, indeed, every individual person is newly called to follow the path of discovering the meaning of life. And it is precisely on account of this that I wanted to re-propose a message that, following the biblical style, evokes the images of the tree and the house. The young person, in fact, is like a tree that is growing: to develop well, he needs deep roots that — when there comes a storm with strong winds — keep him firmly planted in the soil. Thus, also the image of the building under construction recalls the urgency of sound foundations so that the house is solid and secure.
And here is the heart of the message: It is in the expressions “in Jesus Christ” and “in the faith.” The full maturity of the person, his interior stability, has its basis in relation to God, a relation that passes through the encounter with Jesus Christ. A relationship of deep trust, of authentic friendship with Jesus is able to give to a young person what he needs to deal well with life: serenity and interior light, a capacity to think positively, generosity of soul toward others, availability to give oneself for the good, justice and truth. A last very important aspect: to be a believer the young person is supported by the faith of the Church; if no man is an island, much less is a Christian, who in the Church discovers the beauty of faith shared and witnessed together with others in fraternity and the service of charity.
This message of mine to young people has the date of August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. May the light of the face of Christ shine in the heart of every young person! And may the Virgin Mary accompany with her protection the path of the communities and groups of young people toward the great meeting in Madrid in 2011.
[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the people in several languages. In English he said:]Having just returned from Carpineto Romano, the birthplace of my Predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present for this “Angelus” prayer. May Pope Leo’s social magisterium continue to inspire the efforts of the faithful to build a just society rooted in the teachings of Christ. Upon you and your loved ones, I invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God.
© Copyright 2010 – Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[And in Italian he said:]I wish everyone a good Sunday.
[Translation by Joseph G. Trabbic]
