Here is a translation of Pope Francis’ Video-Message to young people taking part in the “WYD Mada 9” at Majajamga, Madagascar, from October 8-14, 2018 on the theme: “Fear not, Mary, for you have found grace with God.”
* * *
The Holy Father’s Video-Message
Dear Young People,
I’m happy to address you, live. You are in my heart and in that of the Synod’s Bishops because our attention is turned to you, young people. You have come from all corners of your beautiful Island for this meeting on the theme: “Fear not, Mary, for you have found grace with God.”
This word of the Angel to Mary is for each one of you today. God addresses you. As the Lord looked at Mary and gave Her the gift of His grace, He looks at you with love, respect <and> tenderness. He knows your fears, your frailties. Everything is possible with Him. Mary placed everything in His hands: do as She did; receive that gift of God by opening wide your heart. God’s grace is a treasure that one can easily forget. Because the Lord never imposes Himself! He always says to us: “If you wish, if you wish . . . “ Take time to listen to His invitation and to respond wholeheartedly and with your generosity! What happiness to respond to Jesus’ call. So many priests <and> consecrated persons can witness to this: Jesus gives meaning to our whole life.
Don’t stay alone. The Church is a great Family in which you will always find support and comfort; in your parishes and in your groups, by prayer, the Sacraments, friendship, the accompaniment of priests and of other baptized persons.
Go and proclaim to all that Jesus loves us and that with Him all fear disappears! Realize your dreams and work together to build your future and that of your country, seeking always the good of one another. I send you as messengers of peace and hope in your cities, in your villages, there where you live and work. May God bless you and may He bless your families! I pray for you and I ask you to pray also for me and for your Bishops.
© Libreria Editrice Vatican
[Original text: French] [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
