RADIO VATICANA REPORT: APOSTOLIC JOURNEYOF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI TO MADRID 26th WORLD YOUTH DAY. Welcome Ceremony, Barajas Airport, Madrid Address of the Holy Father Thursday, 18 August 2011
Your Majesties,
Your Eminence the Archbishop of Madrid,
Your Eminences,
Dear Brother Bishops and Priests,
Distinguished National, Autonomous Regional and Local Authorities,
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Madrid and of all Spain,
I am grateful to Your Majesty for your presence together with the Queen, and for the kind and deferential words with which you welcomed me, reviving in me the unforgettable gestures of kindness which I received during my previous Apostolic Journeys to Spain, and most particularly during my recent Visit to Santiago de Compostela and Barcelona. I greet very cordially those of you gathered here at Barajas and those of you following this event on radio and television. A very grateful greeting also goes to those who, with such commitment and dedication, from the ecclesiastical and civil spheres, have contributed with their efforts and work so that this World Youth Day in Madrid might unfold well and bring forth abundant fruits.
With all my heart I also wish to recognize the hospitality so many families, parishes, schools and other institutions which have welcomed young people from all over the world, firstly in various regions and cities of Spain, and now in the great cosmopolitan and welcoming city of Madrid.
I have come here to meet thousands of young people from all over the world, Catholics committed to Christ searching for the truth that will give real meaning to their existence. I come as the Successor of Peter, to confirm them all in the faith, with days of intense pastoral activity, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life; to motivate the commitment to build up the Kingdom of God in the world among us; to exhort young people to and so, rooted in his person, to become faithful followers and valiant witnesses.
Why has this multitude of young people come to Madrid? While they themselves should give the reply, it may be supposed that they wish to hear the word of God, as the motto for this World Youth Day proposed to them, in such a way that, rooted and built upon Christ, they may manifest the strength of their faith.
Many of them have heard the voice of God, perhaps only as a little whisper, which has led them to search for him more diligently and to share with others the experience of the force which he has in their lives. The discovery of the living God inspires young people and opens their eyes to the challenges of the world in which they live, with its possibilities and limitations. They see the prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption. They know that, without God, it would be hard to confront these challenges and to be truly happy, and thus pouring out their enthusiasm in the attainment of an authentic life. But, with God beside them, they will possess light to walk by and reasons to hope, unrestrained before their highest ideals, which will motivate their generous commitment to build a society where human dignity and true brotherhood are respected. Here on this Day, they have a special opportunity to gather together their aspirations, to share the richness of their cultures and experiences, motivate each other along a journey of faith and life, in which some think they are alone or ignored in their daily existence. But they are not alone. Many people of the same age have the same aspirations and, entrusting themselves completely to Christ, know that they really have a future before them and are not afraid of the decisive commitments which fulfill their entire lives. That is why it gives me great joy to listen to them, pray with them and celebrate the Eucharist with them. World Youth Day brings us a message of hope like a pure and youthful breeze, with rejuvenating scents which fill us with confidence before the future of the Church and the world.
Of course, there is no lack of difficulties. There are tensions and ongoing conflicts all over the world, even to the shedding of blood. Justice and the unique value of the human person are easily surrendered to selfish, material and ideological interests. Nature and the environment, created by God with so much love, are not respected. Moreover, many young people look worriedly to the future, as they search for work, or because they have lost their job or because the one they have is precarious or uncertain. There are others who need help either to avoid drugs or to recover from their use. There are even some who, because of their faith in Christ, suffer discrimination which leads to contempt and persecution, open or hidden, which they endure in various regions and countries. They are harassed to give him up, depriving them of the signs of his presence in public life, not allowing even the mention of his holy name. But, with all my heart, I say again to you young people: let nothing and no one take away your peace; do not be ashamed of the Lord. He did not spare himself in becoming one like us and in experiencing our anguish so as to lift it up to God, and in this way he saved us.
In this regard, the young followers of Jesus must be aided to remain firm in the faith and to embrace the beautiful adventure of proclaiming it and witnessing to it openly with their lives. A witness that is courageous and full of love for their brothers and sisters, resolute and at the same time prudent, without hiding its Christian identity, living together with other legitimate choices in a spirit of respect while at the same time demanding due respect for one’s own choices.
Your Majesty, as I reiterate my thanks for the kind welcome which you gave to me, I in turn wish to express my esteem for and nearness to all the peoples of Spain, as well as my admiration for a country so rich in history and in culture through the vitality of its faith, which has borne fruit in so many saints over the centuries, in numerous men and women who, leaving their native land, brought the Gospel to every corner of the globe, and in people through all this land who act with rectitude, solidarity and goodness. It is a great treasure which should be cared for constructively, for the common good of today and in order to offer a bright horizon to future generations. Although there are currently some reasons for concern, the greatest one is the desire for the betterment of all Spaniards with that dynamism which characterizes them and to which their deep and very fruitful Christian roots have contributed so much down through the centuries.
From this place I send very cordial greetings to you all, dear friends of Spain and Madrid, and those of you from other lands. During these days I will be with you, thinking of all young people in the world, in particular those who are going through various kinds of trial. Entrusting this Meeting to the most holy Virgin Mary, and to the patron saints of this Day, I ask God always to bless and protect the sons and daughters of Spain. Thank you very much.
POPE'S MESSAGE TO WYD PILGRIMS ON ARRIVAL
“With all my heart, I say again to you young people: let nothing and no one take away your peace; do not be ashamed of the Lord”. This is the message that Pope Benedict XVI has brought to Spain and to the young Catholics of the world, resonant of that other great call “do not be afraid” launched by the founder and patron of all World Youth Days, Blessed Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI’s generation has found its motto : do not be ashamed of the Lord.
The papal plane touched down at Barajas International airport in Madrid shortly before midday Thursday, marking the official start of the four day visit. After days of torrid heat, cooler temperatures and a light sprinkling of rain greeted the Pope as he emerged from the plane, to the joy of the young people waiting patiently behind security barriers and a marked police presence. Security has been stepped up across the capital following clashes between the police and protesters against the papal visit on Wednesday evening.
“World Youth Day brings us a message of hope like a pure and youthful breeze, with rejuvenating scents”, he told them “which fill us with confidence before the future of the Church and the world”.
As protocol demands, Pope Benedict was greeted first by the Apostolic Nuncio to Spain, Archbishop Renzo Fratini. At the foot of the plane, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain waited to welcome him while the military bands struck up the National anthem, La marcha real. A curious sight also greeted the Pope on reaching the raised podium that of 60 miniture Swiss Guards, young Spaniards dressed in exact replicas of the famous uniforms of the Papal guard standing to attention beneath the dais.
King Juan Carlos, who despite recent surgery insisted on being present, then addressed the Holy Father on behalf of his nation: “Holy Father, you are back in Spain for the second time, our young people are waiting for you with open arms”.
Then it was Pope Benedict XVI’ turn to speak to the people of Spain and he began by thanking them: “A very grateful greeting goes to those who, with such commitment and dedication, from the ecclesiastical and civil spheres, have contributed with their efforts and work” for World Youth Day in Madrid”. In particular, he thanked “with all my heart” the families, parishes, schools and other institutions that for their hospitality in welcoming young people from all over the world.
However, even though this 4 day visit is also a state visit, there was no escaping the main focus of the Pope’s presence in Spain, the 26th World Youth Day . He said, “young followers of Jesus must be aided to remain firm in the faith”, without hiding their Christian identity, “living together with other legitimate choices in a spirit of respect while at the same time demanding due respect for one’s own choices”.
The Pope addressed the challenges of today’s world, a “prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption”. He spoke of the concerns specific to young people: world conflicts, the undermining of the value of the human person because of “selfish, material and ideological interests”; environmental degradation, uncertainty over their future, an increasingly precarious workplace, drug abuse. “There are even some”, said Pope Benedict “who because of their faith in Christ, suffer discrimination which leads to contempt and persecution, open or hidden, which they endure in various regions and countries. They are harassed to give him up, depriving them of the signs of his presence in public life, not allowing even the mention of his holy name”. To them he said “again he said to them; do not be ashamed of the Lord. He did not spare himself in becoming one like us and in experiencing our anguish so as to lift it up to God, and in this way he saved us”.
Concluding the Pope paid tribute to the countless men and women missionaries who left their homeland to bring the Gospel to all four corners of the world, inviting Spaniards to care constructively for this “great treasure”
“With all my heart, I say again to you young people: let nothing and no one take away your peace; do not be ashamed of the Lord”. This is the message that Pope Benedict XVI has brought to Spain and to the young Catholics of the world, resonant of that other great call “do not be afraid” launched by the founder and patron of all World Youth Days, Blessed Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI’s generation has found its motto : do not be ashamed of the Lord.
The papal plane touched down at Barajas International airport in Madrid shortly before midday Thursday, marking the official start of the four day visit. After days of torrid heat, cooler temperatures and a light sprinkling of rain greeted the Pope as he emerged from the plane, to the joy of the young people waiting patiently behind security barriers and a marked police presence. Security has been stepped up across the capital following clashes between the police and protesters against the papal visit on Wednesday evening.
“World Youth Day brings us a message of hope like a pure and youthful breeze, with rejuvenating scents”, he told them “which fill us with confidence before the future of the Church and the world”.
As protocol demands, Pope Benedict was greeted first by the Apostolic Nuncio to Spain, Archbishop Renzo Fratini. At the foot of the plane, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain waited to welcome him while the military bands struck up the National anthem, La marcha real. A curious sight also greeted the Pope on reaching the raised podium that of 60 miniture Swiss Guards, young Spaniards dressed in exact replicas of the famous uniforms of the Papal guard standing to attention beneath the dais.
King Juan Carlos, who despite recent surgery insisted on being present, then addressed the Holy Father on behalf of his nation: “Holy Father, you are back in Spain for the second time, our young people are waiting for you with open arms”.
Then it was Pope Benedict XVI’ turn to speak to the people of Spain and he began by thanking them: “A very grateful greeting goes to those who, with such commitment and dedication, from the ecclesiastical and civil spheres, have contributed with their efforts and work” for World Youth Day in Madrid”. In particular, he thanked “with all my heart” the families, parishes, schools and other institutions that for their hospitality in welcoming young people from all over the world.
However, even though this 4 day visit is also a state visit, there was no escaping the main focus of the Pope’s presence in Spain, the 26th World Youth Day . He said, “young followers of Jesus must be aided to remain firm in the faith”, without hiding their Christian identity, “living together with other legitimate choices in a spirit of respect while at the same time demanding due respect for one’s own choices”.
The Pope addressed the challenges of today’s world, a “prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption”. He spoke of the concerns specific to young people: world conflicts, the undermining of the value of the human person because of “selfish, material and ideological interests”; environmental degradation, uncertainty over their future, an increasingly precarious workplace, drug abuse. “There are even some”, said Pope Benedict “who because of their faith in Christ, suffer discrimination which leads to contempt and persecution, open or hidden, which they endure in various regions and countries. They are harassed to give him up, depriving them of the signs of his presence in public life, not allowing even the mention of his holy name”. To them he said “again he said to them; do not be ashamed of the Lord. He did not spare himself in becoming one like us and in experiencing our anguish so as to lift it up to God, and in this way he saved us”.
Concluding the Pope paid tribute to the countless men and women missionaries who left their homeland to bring the Gospel to all four corners of the world, inviting Spaniards to care constructively for this “great treasure”
PRESS CONFERENCE ON PLANE TO MADRID
The following are some questions from journalists who were present on the papal flight to Madrid.
Q. - Holiness, welcome among us, thanks a lot - as usual - for giving us the opportunity for a brief meeting during the outbound flight. The "flying community" of journalists here, is composed of 56 people from many different countries, but the journalists who await you in Madrid number more than 4 000, in fact there are almost 5 000. This is a record for Spain and also for the coverage of a world event. We will make it our duty, of course, to give an adequate echo to your words during this wonderful event. As usual, I propose a few questions that I have been given in the past days by the journalists present here.
Q. - Holy Father, this is the 26th World Youth Day, and the 12th celebrated with a big international meeting. John Paul II, who invented them, is now a Blessed and is the Official Patron of this World Youth Day in Madrid. At the beginning of your pontificate we had wondered whether you would continue the line of your predecessor. Now you are already marking the third World Youth Day since then, after Cologne and Sydney. What is the significance of these events in the pastoral "strategy" of the Universal Church in the third millennium?
A. - Dear friends, greetnigs! I'm happy to go with you to Spain for this great event. After having personally experienced two WYD, I can only say that it was truly an inspiration that had been given to Pope John Paul II when he created the idea of a large gathering of young people and of the world with the Lord. I would say that these WYD are a signal, a cascade of light; they give visibility to the faith, of God's presence in the world, and thus foster the courage to be a believer. Believers often feel isolated in this world, almost lost. Here they see that they are not alone, that there is a large network of faith, a great community of believers in the world, that it is nice to live in this universal bond of friendship. And it is thus that I think friendships are born, friendships across the boundaries of different cultures and different countries. It is this birth of a universal network of friendship, which links the world and God, and is an important reality for the future of humanity and for the life of humanity today. Of course, World Youth Day cannot be an isolated incident: it is part of a larger journey, which has been prepared by the way of the Cross which has travelled to different countries already uniting young people in the sign of the Cross and the wonderful sign of the Virgin Mary. And thus it is that the preparation for World Youth Day is much more than the logistics of planning an event which naturally has many technical problems. It is requires an inner preparation, a willingness to join a path that brings us to others so that we can journey together towards God. And then, later, following the establishment of groups of friends, keeping this universal contact opens the borders of cultures, of human and religious differences, and continues a path which then leads to a new arrival point in a new WYD. It seems to me that the World Youth Day should be considered in this sense, as a sign, a part of a great journey, which creates friendships, open borders and demonstrates that is good to be with God, and that God is with us. In this sense, we want to continue with this great idea of Blessed Pope John Paul II.
Q. - Holiness, times change. Europe and the Western world in general are experiencing a deep economic crisis, which also makes manifest serious social and moral problems and a great uncertainty about the future, all of which become particularly painful for young people. In recent days we have seen, for example, the events taking place in Britain, with the outbreak of rebellion and aggression. At the same time there are signs of generous and enthusiastic commitment, of volunteerism and solidarity, by young believers and non-believers. In Madrid we will meet many wonderful young people. What messages can the Church give for the hope and encouragement of the youth of the world, especially those who are now tempted to discouragement and rebellion?
A. – And thus, it is confirmed in the current economic crisis that which had already appeared in previous great crises, that the ethical dimension is not something external to economic problems, but an inner and fundamental dimension. The economy does not only work with a self-regulated market, but needs an ethical way of reasoning in order to work for man. It appears again that what Pope John Paul II had already said in his first social encyclical: man must be the center of the economy and the economy is not to be measured solely according to achieving maximum profits. Its true measure is according to how it serves the good of everyone, including taking responsibility for others, and it works really well only if it works in a humane manner with respect for others. This includes different dimensions. The first is that individuals take responsibility for their nation and not just for themselves. The second is that nations must take responsibility for the world - beyond their own national interests, even a continent like Europe must not think only of its own good but assume responsibility for all of humanity and should always think about its economic problems in the light of this responsibility for other parts of the world: for those who are suffering, thirsty and hungry, and have no future. And then - the third dimension of this responsibility – is the responsibility for the future. We know that we must protect our planet, but we must protect - all in all - the functioning of the service of economic work for everyone by reckoning that tomorrow is also today. If the youth of today have no prospects in life, our today has made a mistake and is 'evil'. Therefore, the Church with her social doctrine, with its doctrine of responsibility to God, opens man up to the possibility of renouncing profit and seeing things in the religious and humanistic dimension, that is to live for one another. Thus open even the paths. The large number of volunteers who work in different parts of the world, not for themselves but for others, and thereby find meaning in life, show that this is possible and that educating young people to aspire to these great purposes, such as the Church is trying to do, is essential for our future.
Q. - Holiness, the youth of the world today generally live in multi-confessional and multicultural environments. Mutual tolerance is more essential than ever. You always insist on the topic of truth. Do you not think that this insistence on the truth and the unique Truth that is Christ is a problem for today's youth? Do you not think that this insistence leads them to positions of opposition and to difficulty in trying to dialogue and search together with others?
A. - The connection between truth and intolerance, monotheism and the incapacity to dialogue with others, is a topic that often comes back in the debate on Christianity today. And of course, it is true that in history there have been abuses, both of the concept of truth and the concept of monotheism; but one needs to recognize these as abuses. The reality is totally different. The argument is wrong, because truth is accessible only in freedom. You can impose upon others through violence, rules of conduct, outward observances, and activities - but not the truth! Truth is only open to freedom, and free consent: freedom and truth are so intimately united, that the one is the condition for the other. And for the rest, to seek the truth, the real values that give life and orient us to our future without alternatives. We do not want lies, we do not want the positivism of norms imposed by certain kinds of force, because only true values lead to the future and therefore we say that it is necessary to seek these true values and not let the arbitrariness of some run the day. Do not let a positivist manner of thinking set in that tells us, about ethical problems, and man's greatest problems: that there is no rational truth. This would really expose man to the arbitrariness of those who have power. We must always seek the truth and true values; we have a core of values, in fundamental human rights, and other similar elements which are recognized, and it is these which enable us to be in dialogue with one another. Truth as such is dialogic because it seeks to know better, understand better and it does so in dialogue with others. Thus, to seek the truth and the dignity of man is the greatest defense of freedom.
Q. - Holiness, the World Youth Days are a wonderful time and bring forth a lot of enthusiasm, but the young people then come home and find a world where religious practice is declining very strong. Many of them probably will not be seen any more in Church. How can we prolong the fruits of World Youth Day? Do you think that they actually give the long-term fruits beyond the moments of great enthusiasm?
RProposed questions for the Holy Father on the occasion of the trip to Spain
(As usual, I picked some questions from journalists who will be present on the papal flight for a conversation on the plane with the Holy Father.)
D. - Holiness, welcome among us, thanks a lot - as usual - for giving us the opportunity for a brief meeting during the outbound flight. The "flying community" of journalists here, is composed of 56 people from many different countries, but the journalists who await you in Madrid number more than 4 000, in fact there are almost 5 000. This is a record for Spain and also for the coverage of a world event. We will make it our duty, of course, to give an adequate echo to your words during this wonderful event. As usual, I propose a few questions that I have been given in the past days by the journalists present here.
Holy Father, this is the 26th World Youth Day, and the 12th celebrated with a big international meeting. John Paul II, who invented them, is now a Blessed and is the Official Patron of this World Youth Day in Madrid. At the beginning of your pontificate we had wondered whether you would continue the line of your predecessor. Now you are already marking the third World Youth Day since then, after Cologne and Sydney. What is the significance of these events in the pastoral "strategy" of the Universal Church in the third millennium?
R. - Dear friends, greetnigs! I'm happy to go with you to Spain for this great event. After having personally experienced two WYD, I can only say that it was truly an inspiration that had been given to Pope John Paul II when he created the idea of a large gathering of young people and of the world with the Lord. I would say that these WYD are a signal, a cascade of light; they give visibility to the faith, of God's presence in the world, and thus foster the courage to be a believer. Believers often feel isolated in this world, almost lost. Here they see that they are not alone, that there is a large network of faith, a great community of believers in the world, that it is nice to live in this universal bond of friendship. And it is thus that I think friendships are born, friendships across the boundaries of different cultures and different countries. It is this birth of a universal network of friendship, which links the world and God, and is an important reality for the future of humanity and for the life of humanity today. Of course, World Youth Day cannot be an isolated incident: it is part of a larger journey, which has been prepared by the way of the Cross which has travelled to different countries already uniting young people in the sign of the Cross and the wonderful sign of the Virgin Mary. And thus it is that the preparation for World Youth Day is much more than the logistics of planning an event which naturally has many technical problems. It is requires an inner preparation, a willingness to join a path that brings us to others so that we can journey together towards God. And then, later, following the establishment of groups of friends, keeping this universal contact opens the borders of cultures, of human and religious differences, and continues a path which then leads to a new arrival point in a new WYD. It seems to me that the World Youth Day should be considered in this sense, as a sign, a part of a great journey, which creates friendships, open borders and demonstrates that is good to be with God, and that God is with us. In this sense, we want to continue with this great idea of Blessed Pope John Paul II.
D. - Holiness, times change. Europe and the Western world in general are experiencing a deep economic crisis, which also makes manifest serious social and moral problems and a great uncertainty about the future, all of which become particularly painful for young people. In recent days we have seen, for example, the events taking place in Britain, with the outbreak of rebellion and aggression. At the same time there are signs of generous and enthusiastic commitment, of volunteerism and solidarity, by young believers and non-believers. In Madrid we will meet many wonderful young people. What messages can the Church give for the hope and encouragement of the youth of the world, especially those who are now tempted to discouragement and rebellion?
R. – And thus, it is confirmed in the current economic crisis that which had already appeared in previous great crises, that the ethical dimension is not something external to economic problems, but an inner and fundamental dimension. The economy does not only work with a self-regulated market, but needs an ethical way of reasoning in order to work for man. It appears again that what Pope John Paul II had already said in his first social encyclical: man must be the center of the economy and the economy is not to be measured solely according to achieving maximum profits. Its true measure is according to how it serves the good of everyone, including taking responsibility for others, and it works really well only if it works in a humane manner with respect for others. This includes different dimensions. The first is that individuals take responsibility for their nation and not just for themselves. The second is that nations must take responsibility for the world - beyond their own national interests, even a continent like Europe must not think only of its own good but assume responsibility for all of humanity and should always think about its economic problems in the light of this responsibility for other parts of the world: for those who are suffering, thirsty and hungry, and have no future. And then - the third dimension of this responsibility – is the responsibility for the future. We know that we must protect our planet, but we must protect - all in all - the functioning of the service of economic work for everyone by reckoning that tomorrow is also today. If the youth of today have no prospects in life, our today has made a mistake and is 'evil'. Therefore, the Church with her social doctrine, with its doctrine of responsibility to God, opens man up to the possibility of renouncing profit and seeing things in the religious and humanistic dimension, that is to live for one another. Thus open even the paths. The large number of volunteers who work in different parts of the world, not for themselves but for others, and thereby find meaning in life, show that this is possible and that educating young people to aspire to these great purposes, such as the Church is trying to do, is essential for our future.
D. - Holiness, the youth of the world today generally live in multi-confessional and multicultural environments. Mutual tolerance is more essential than ever. You always insist on the topic of truth. Do you not think that this insistence on the truth and the unique Truth that is Christ is a problem for today's youth? Do you not think that this insistence leads them to positions of opposition and to difficulty in trying to dialogue and search together with others?
R. - The connection between truth and intolerance, monotheism and the incapacity to dialogue with others, is a topic that often comes back in the debate on Christianity today. And of course, it is true that in history there have been abuses, both of the concept of truth and the concept of monotheism; but one needs to recognize these as abuses. The reality is totally different. The argument is wrong, because truth is accessible only in freedom. You can impose upon others through violence, rules of conduct, outward observances, and activities - but not the truth! Truth is only open to freedom, and free consent: freedom and truth are so intimately united, that the one is the condition for the other. And for the rest, to seek the truth, the real values that give life and future and without alternatives. We do not want lies, we do not want the positivism of norms imposed by certain kinds of force, only true values lead to the future and therefore we say that it is necessary to seek these true values and not let the arbitrariness of some run. Do not let a positivist manner of thinking set in that tells us, about ethical problems, and man's greatest problems: that there is no rational truth. This would really expose man to the arbitrariness of those who have power. We must always seek the truth and true values; we have a core of values, in fundamental human rights, and other similar elements which are recognized, and it is these which enable us to be in dialogue with one another. Truth as such is dialogic because it seeks to know better, understand better and it does so in dialogue with others. Thus, to seek the truth and the dignity of man is the greatest defense of freedom.
D. - Holiness, the World Youth Days are a wonderful time and bring forth a lot of enthusiasm, but the young people then come home and find a world where religious practice is declining very strong. Many of them probably will not be seen any more in Church. How can we prolong the fruits of World Youth Day? Do you think that they actually give the long-term fruits beyond the moments of great enthusiasm?
R. - The seed of God is always silent, it does not immediately make itself known in statistics. And with the seeds which the Lord plants through World Youth Day, we can see the seeds of which the Gospel speaks: some fall on the road and are lost, some fall on the stone and are lost, some fall among thorns and are lost, but some fall on good soil and bear an abundance of fruit. And so it is with the sowing of the seeds by WYD: much are lost - and this is human. In another word of the Lord: the mustard seed is small, but grows into a large tree. In other words, of course, much is lost, we cannot say that from tomorrow there will begin a large growth of the Church. God does not act this way. But the seed does grow in silence. I know from the other WYDs that many friendships are born, friendships for life; many new experiences show that God exists. And in this quiet growth we place our confidence and we are sure, even if the statistics do not talk say much, that the seed really does grow, the seed of the Lord, and it will be for many people the beginning of a friendship with God and with others, of a widening of how one thinks, of a shared responsibility that really show us that these days bear fruit. Thanks!
D. - Thank you, Your Holiness, for this conversation that already points us towards the essential themes of these beautiful days. We wish you, of course, all the best and it is our sincere hope that these days - despite the heat – be full of joy and satisfaction for you. However, before we leave you to return to your place, I wanted to say that also for our community today is a day of special celebration, because one of our deans, who had accompanied John Paul II on all of his many trips, except one because she was not very well at the time, celebrates her birthday today. We of course are referring to Paloma Gomez Borrero to whom we all extend good wishes, along with you.
A. - The seed of God is always silent, it does not immediately make itself known in statistics. And with the seeds which the Lord plants through World Youth Day, we can see the seeds of which the Gospel speaks: some fall on the road and are lost, some fall on the stone and are lost, some fall among thorns and are lost, but some fall on good soil and bear an abundance of fruit. And so it is with the sowing of the seeds by WYD: much are lost - and this is human. In another word of the Lord: the mustard seed is small, but grows into a large tree. In other words, of course, much is lost, we cannot say that from tomorrow there will begin a large growth of the Church. God does not act this way. But the seed does grow in silence. I know from the other WYDs that many friendships are born, friendships for life; many new experiences show that God exists. And in this quiet growth we place our confidence and we are sure, even if the statistics do not talk say much, that the seed really does grow, the seed of the Lord, and it will be for many people the beginning of a friendship with God and with others, of a widening of how one thinks, of a shared responsibility that really show us that these days bear fruit. Thanks!
Q. - Thank you, Your Holiness, for this conversation that already points us towards the essential themes of these beautiful days. We wish you, of course, all the best and it is our sincere hope that these days - despite the heat – be full of joy and satisfaction for you. However, before we leave you to return to your place, I wanted to say that also for our community today is a day of special celebration, because one of our deans, who had accompanied John Paul II on all of his many trips, except one because she was not very well at the time, celebrates her birthday today. We of course are referring to Paloma Gomez Borrero to whom we all extend good wishes, along with you.
SOURCE IMAGES/ARTICLES: RADIO VATICANA
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