A previous edition of the Medjugorje International Youth Festival.
Pope to Medjugorje youth gathering: ‘No-one walks alone’
Pope Leo tells young people gathered for the 36th
International Youth Festival in Medjugorje to "walk together, support each
other, and inspire one another".
By Augustine Asta
Pope Leo XIV has urged young people to follow the example of
the Virgin Mary by seeking genuine human connection, in a message to the
thousands of pilgrims gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival in
Medjugorje.
The Youth Festival, held at the Marian shrine in Medjugorje,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, runs this year from August 4 to 8 and draws young
people from across the globe.
Pope Leo said that the theme for this year’s edition—“We
will go to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1)—resonated deeply with
him.
He described it as “evocative of a journey, of a longing
that moves us toward God, toward His dwelling place, where we can truly feel at
home—because it is there that His love awaits us.”
Jesus, the Only True Way
“How can we walk toward the house of the Lord without losing
our way?” the Pope asked. In answer, he cited Jesus’ own words: “I am
the way” (John 14:6).
“It is Christ Himself who accompanies us, guides us, and
strengthens us along the road,” he said. “His Spirit opens our eyes and helps
us see what we could never understand on our own.”
On the road of life, Pope Leo emphasized, “no one walks
alone.” Our paths are always intertwined with those of others. “We are made for
encounter, for walking together, and for discovering a shared goal,” he said.
Drawing on a reflection by St. Augustine, the Pope
emphasized that the house of the Lord is not a distant goal, but rather the joy
of a journey shared—as a pilgrim people: "Let us go,
let us go!"—they say to one another. And in so doing, “they ignite one
another and become a single flame. That one flame, born of those who share the
fire within them, lights the path ahead.”
“No one walks alone,” Pope Leo repeated. “We encourage each
other. We ignite each other. The flames of our hearts unite to become one great
fire that lights the way forward. You too, dear young people, are not solitary
pilgrims. This path toward the Lord is one we walk together. That is the beauty
of a faith lived out in the Church.”
In the Image of the Virgin Mary
Through these daily encounters, said the Pope, “we can walk
together on our pilgrimage to the house of the Lord.” But in a world that is
increasingly globalized and shaped by artificial intelligence and digital
technology, Pope Leo issued a strong reminder:
“Remember: no algorithm will ever replace an embrace, a
look, a real encounter—not with God, not with our friends, not with our
families.”
“Think of Mary,” he urged.
Mary, the Pope recalled, also set out on a difficult journey
to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It wasn’t easy, he noted, “but she went—and that
meeting brought joy. John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb, recognizing
in Mary the living presence of the Lord.”
Following Mary’s example, the Pope encouraged young people
to seek authentic connection:
“Rejoice together, and don’t be afraid to weep with those
who weep.”
The Language of Faith and Love
In a world marked by cultural and linguistic diversity, Pope
Leo called the youth to courage. Because, he said, “there is a language
stronger than any barrier: the language of faith, nourished by the love of
God.”
He reminded the festival’s participants that they are “all
members of His Body, the Church.” Hence his invitation:
“Meet each other, get to know one another, share. It is only
in walking together, supporting each other, and inspiring one another that we
will reach the house of the Lord.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét