On the occasion of the feast of St. John Paul II, of the October 22nd, We recall one of his most emblematic and moving speeches addressed to young people. On May 3, 2003, in Four Winds (Madrid), St. John Paul II, in the twilight of his pontificate, launched a challenge of faith, hope and vocation to young people.
We review the full text of that speech, words that still retain their power to inspire young people of body and spirit.
1. Led by the hand of the Blessed Virgin Mary and accompanied by the example and intercession of the new Saints, we have journeyed in prayer through various moments in the history of the Church. the life of Jesus.
The Rosary, in fact, in its simplicity and depth, is a real compendium of the Gospel and leads to the very heart of the Christian message: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3, 16).
Mary, besides being the close, discreet and understanding Mother, is the best Teacher to reach the knowledge of the truth through contemplation. The drama of today's culture is the lack of interiority, the absence of contemplation. Without interiority, culture lacks entrails, it is like a body that has not yet found its soul.
What is humanity capable of without interiority? Unfortunately, we know the answer all too well. When the contemplative spirit is lacking, life is not defended. and everything human degenerates. Without interiority, modern man endangers his own integrity.
2. Dear young people, I invite you to be part of the “School of the Virgin Mary. She is an unsurpassable model of contemplation and an admirable example of fruitful, joyful and enriching interiority. She will teach you to never separate action from contemplation, so that you will better contribute to the realization of a great dream: the birth of the new Europe of the spirit.
A Europe faithful to its Christian roots, not closed in on itself but open to dialogue and collaboration with other peoples. of the earth; a Europe conscious of being called upon to be a beacon of civilization and a stimulus to progress for the world, determined to unite its efforts and creativity in the service of peace and solidarity among peoples.
3. Beloved young people, you know well how much I am concerned about peace in the world. The spiral of violence, terrorism and war still provokes hatred and death in our days. Peace -we know- is above all a gift from on High that we must insistently ask for. and which, moreover, we must build together through a profound inner conversion. Therefore, today I want to commit you to be peacemakers and peacemakers. Respond to blind violence and inhuman hatred with the fascinating power of love. Overcome enmity with the power of forgiveness. Stay away from all forms of exasperated nationalism, racism and intolerance.
Witness with your life that ideas are not imposed, but proposed. Never let yourselves be discouraged by evil! To this end you need the help of prayer and the consolation that comes from an intimate friendship with Christ. Only in this way, by living the experience of God's love and radiating evangelical brotherhood, can you be builders of a better world, authentic men and women of peace and peacemaking.
4. Tomorrow I will have the joy of proclaiming five new saints, sons and daughters of this noble nation and of this Church. They «were young people like yourselves, full of energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. The encounter with Christ transformed their lives (...) For this reason, they were capable of attracting other young people, their friends, and of creating works of prayer, evangelization and charity that still last» (Message of the Spanish Bishops on the occasion of the Holy Father's trip, 4).
Dear young people, go with confidence to meet Jesus and, like the new saints, go with confidence to meet Jesus!, do not be afraid to speak of Him! for Christ is the true answer to all questions. about man and his destiny. You young people must become apostles of your contemporaries. I know very well that this is not easy. Many times you will be tempted to say like the prophet Jeremiah: “Ah, Lord! Behold, I do not know how to express myself, for I am a boy.Jr 1, 6). Do not be discouraged, for you are not alone: the Lord will never fail to accompany you, with his grace and the gift of his Spirit.
5. This faithful presence of the Lord makes you capable of assuming the commitment of the new evangelization, to which all the children of the Church are called. It is a task for everyone. In it the laity have a leading role, especially married couples and Christian families, but evangelization today urgently requires priests and consecrated persons. This is the reason why I wish to say to each of you, young people: if you feel the call of God saying, “Follow me!” (Mc 2,14; Lc 5:27), do not silence her. Be generous, respond like Mary, offering God the joyful yes of your person and of your life.
I give you my testimony: I was ordained a priest when I was 26 years old. Since then 56 years have passed. So how old is the Pope? Almost 83! A young man of 83! Looking back on these years of my life, I can assure you that it is worthwhile to dedicate oneself to the cause of Christ and, out of love for him, to consecrate oneself to the service of mankind. It is worthwhile to give one's life for the Gospel and for one's brothers and sisters!
How many hours do we have until midnight? Three hours. Just three hours until midnight and then comes the morning.
6. In concluding my remarks, I would like to invoke Mary, the luminous star that announces the dawning of the Sun that rises from on High, Jesus Christ:
Hail Mary, full of grace!
Tonight I pray for the young people of Spain,
young people full of dreams and hopes.They are the sentinels of tomorrow,
the people of the beatitudes;
are the living hope of the Church and of the Pope.Holy Mary, Mother of the young,
intercede that they may be witnesses of the Risen Christ,
humble and courageous apostles of the third millennium,
generous heralds of the Gospel.Holy Mary, Immaculate Virgin,
pray with us,
pray for us. Amen.
Table of Contents
