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Address to Catholic Educators at The Catholic University of America, April 17
Once their passion for the fullness and unity of truth has been awakened, young people will surely relish the discovery that the question of what they can know opens up the vast adventure of what they ought to do. Here they will experience "in what" and "in whom" it is possible to hope, and be inspired to contribute to society in a way that engenders hope in others.
Remarks at the Youth Rally, April 19
Young friends, I am very happy to have the opportunity to speak with you. Please pass on my warm greetings to your family members and relatives, and to the teachers and staff of the various schools, colleges and universities you attend. I know that many people have worked hard to ensure that our gathering could take place. I am most grateful to them all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me "Happy Birthday"! Thank you for this moving gesture; I give you all an A-plus for your German pronunciation!
Who bears witness to the good news of Jesus on the streets of New York, in the troubled neighborhoods of large cities, in the places where the young gather, seeking someone in whom they can trust? God is our origin and our destination, and Jesus the way. The path of that journey twists and turns -- just as it did for our saints -- through the joys and the trials of ordinary, everyday life: within your families, at school or college, during your recreation activities and in your parish communities.
My own years as a teenager were marred by a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its influence grew -- infiltrating schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion -- before it was fully recognized for the monster it was. It banished God and thus became impervious to anything true and good.
Let us thank God that today many people of your generation are able to enjoy the liberties which have arisen through the extension of democracy and respect for human rights. Let us thank God for all those who strive to ensure that you can grow up in an environment that nurtures what is beautiful, good and true: your parents and grandparents, your teachers and priests, those civic leaders who seek what is right and just.
What might that darkness be? What happens when people, especially the most vulnerable, encounter a clenched fist of repression or manipulation rather than a hand of hope? A first group of examples pertains to the heart. Here, the dreams and longings that young people pursue can so easily be shattered or destroyed. I am thinking of those affected by drug and substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence and degradation -- especially of girls and women.
While the causes of these problems are complex, all have in common a poisoned attitude of mind which results in people being treated as mere objects -- a callousness of heart takes hold which first ignores, then ridicules the God-given dignity of every human being.
The second area of darkness -- that which affects the mind -- often goes unnoticed and for this reason is particularly sinister. The manipulation of truth distorts our perception of reality, and tarnishes our imagination and aspirations.
Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations.
Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit.
Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the church. It is from within the church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord.
Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the church's liturgy, you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy.
As I renew my invitation to you to take part in World Youth Day in Sidney, I assure that I remember you in prayer and ask God to make you authentic disciples of the risen Christ.
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