CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 24, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the young people who participated last week in World Youth Day give hope for the future of the Church.
The Pope said this as he dedicated today’s general audience to a reflection on his four-day trip to Madrid, Spain, for the 26th Youth Day.
«Naturally I cannot describe in only a few words the intense moments we experienced,» he said as he presented a brief summary of each of the main activities.
He called it a «moving ecclesial event,» noting that «approximately 2 million youth from every continent gathered for a truly exceptional experience of fraternity, of encounter with the Lord, of sharing and of growth in the faith: a true cascade of light.»
«I thank God for this precious gift, which gives hope for the future of the Church: young people with the unwavering and sincere desire to root their lives in Christ, to remain firm in the faith, and to walk together with the Church.»
Faithful Friend
Benedict XVI called the Madrid celebration a «marvelous demonstration of faith — for Spain and for the world.»
«For the multitude of young people who had come from every corner of the world, it was a special occasion to reflect, discuss, exchange positive experiences and, above all, to pray together and to renew their commitment to root their own lives in Christ, the Faithful Friend,» he said. «I am sure that they have returned home, and that they return there with the firm purpose of being a leaven in society by carrying the hope that is born of faith.
«For my part, I continue to accompany them in prayer, so that they might remain faithful to the commitments they have assumed. I entrust the fruits of this Day to the maternal intercession of Mary.»
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full text: www.zenit.org/article-33278?l=english
