I’m writing to you, dear young people, with paternal affection
Pope Francis has addressed a letter to young people on the occasion of the presentation of the preparatory document for the coming XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme “Young people, faith and vocation discernment,” a document intended to be “like a compass along this path.” These are some of the Pope’s beautiful words.
Dear young people,
“I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart,” as ” a Father who invites you to ‘go’, to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God’s voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.”
Following the example of Abraham’s call, the “new land for us today” is “a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth.”
“Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him… This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life.”
“I asked you several times: ‘Can we change things?’ And you shouted: ‘Yes!’. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves!”
“The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls.”
“I entrust you to Mary of Nazareth, a young person like yourselves, whom God beheld lovingly, so she might take your hand and guide you to the joy of fully and generously responding to God’s call with the words: ‘Here I am’.”
FRANCIS
Read the entire letter
Press Conference for the presentation the Preparatory Document of the XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on young people, 13/01/2017
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2017/01/13/0023/00055.html
SYNOD OF BISHOPS – XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Young people, faith and vocation discernment
PREPARATORY DOCUMENT
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/01/13/170113a.html
16 January 2017
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