WYD
«Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary »
The dimension of pilgrimage as an inward journey in the Holy Father's Message for the 39th World Youth Day
«Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary »: this is the passage from the so-called Book of Consolation (Is 40-55) that guides the Message for the 39th World Youth Day. This year, World Youth Day will once again be celebrated in the particular Churches around the world on the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe on Sunday, 24 November 2024.
The journey – already started in the 38th Message to young people, titled “Rejoicing in Hope” – continues on an ideal itinerary towards the Jubilee 2025, on the themes of the journey understood as pilgrimage, and hope.
Walking and tiredness: these are the two dimensions that accompany the experience of those who undertake a pilgrimage. It is an experience marked by challenges, difficulties, moments of disappointment and the search for a destination that seems far away. The Holy Father's invitation in this Message for World Youth Day 2024 is not to become discouraged, but to set out on a journey, on a pilgrimage to be set out not « as mere tourists, but as true pilgrims. Do not be like superficial sightseers, blind to the beauty around you, never discovering the meaning of the roads you take, interested only in a few fleeting moments to capture in a selfie. Tourists do this. Pilgrims, on the other hand, immerse themselves fully in the places they encounter, listen to the message they communicate, and make them a part of their quest for happiness and fulfilment. The Jubilee pilgrimage is meant to be the outward sign of an inward journey that all of us are called to make towards our final destination». In this context, Pope Francis suggests three interior attitudes to prepare oneself for the experience of the journey: thanksgiving; spirit of seeking; penance.
“Hope”! Pope Francis thus encourages young people: « If a beautiful goal exists, if life has an ultimate meaning, if nothing of what I dream, plan and accomplish will ever be lost, then it is worth the effort to keep walking, exerting ourselves, overcoming obstacles and fatigue, because the ultimate prize is magnificent beyond measure! ». Times of crisis, then, «are not wasted or useless: they can become important times of growth. They are moments when hope is purified! », urges the Holy Father.
In its ongoing commitment to the service of youth, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life invites young people and youth pastoral care workers to celebrate the 39th World Youth Day in the particular Churches, and to prepare themselves following the words of the Holy Father for the celebration on 24 November, with their eyes and hearts turned to the now forthcoming Jubilee.
17 September 2024
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