Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we gather to celebrate the 39th World Youth Day, we stand united in our faith, our joy, and our commitment to live out the calling Christ has placed upon our hearts.
This day is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of the power we have as young people to make a difference in the world. It is a call to renew our relationship with God, to embrace our vocation as disciples, and to be bold witnesses of His love.
World Youth Day is a unique opportunity for us to gather as a global Church together with thousands of young people from all corners of the world to celebrate our shared faith, our hopes, and our dreams. But it is also a call to action.
The Church needs us now more than ever: to be voices of hope, instruments of peace, and agents of change. Whether we are at the local parish, in our schools, or in our communities, our faith and the joy we carry can impact those around us.
Pope Francis often reminds us, we are not the future of the Church we are the Church of today. The mission of the Gospel is ours to carry forward, and through our actions, our prayer, and our witness, we can help transform the world. Let us not be afraid to live out our faith fully, to challenge ourselves to grow, and to build bridges with those who need Christ’s love the most.
In this year’s message to the youth, the Holy Father, Pope Francis invites us to journey forward with hope that fuels us, even in the face of struggles and uncertainties. In this year leading up to the Great Jubilee, he calls us to reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (Is 40:31). Despite the challenges we face such as war, injustice, and environmental degradation, we are called to be pilgrims of hope, always moving forward, even when tired.
Our life is a pilgrimage, a search for true meaning and happiness. While the path may bring moments of fatigue and despair, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the demands of school, work, or life.
The Holy Father encouraged us to keep moving forward, trusting that God gives us strength. In times of crisis, we may question our hopes, but these moments are opportunities for growth and purification. Like the Israelites in the desert, we can trust that God will provide, especially through the gift of the Eucharist, our true strength for the journey.
Pope Francis reminds us that we are not tourists in life, simply passing by and capturing fleeting moments. We are pilgrims, called to seek deeper meaning in every step we take. As we prepare for the Jubilee pilgrimage, he encourages us to approach this time with a spirit of thanksgiving, seeking, and penance acknowledging our need for God and turning toward Him with open hearts.
We are called to be missionaries of hope, embracing others with God’s love and sharing it through simple acts of kindness and joy.
Let us look to the saints who have gone before us, and let their example inspire us to keep the faith and press forward.
Let us all walk together as pilgrims of hope guided by Christ, strengthened by the Eucharist, and inspired by the love and support of the Church.
As we celebrate this incredible moment in the life of the Church, let us pray for the strength to follow Christ’s example of love and service, and for the courage to make a difference in our world. Together, as one body of Christ, let us journey forward, filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
May God bless each of you on this World Youth Day and in all the days ahead.
The writer, Daniel Orlando is a journalist and correspondent for Catholic Trends
