Scottish Catholic Observer

“The Lord has a great dream which, with your help, He wants to come true! the Pope said, urging young people not to be taken in by ‘the messages of hatred or terror all around us’ in a message for the Jubilee Year of Mercy released last week.

Addressing young boys and girls aged 13 to 16, the Pope said they must instead make new friends and ‘give of your time and always show concern for those who ask your help.’

“Be brave and go against the tide,” the Pope said. “Be friends of Jesus, Who is the Prince of Peace. Everything in Him speaks of mercy. Nothing in Him is devoid of compassion.”

Young people from across the world will make a pilgrimage to Rome in April, a moment of joy, the Pope (above) said, that they are all invited to, and he asked them to not ‘just prepare your rucksacks and your banners, but your hearts and your minds as well.’

“I realise that not all of you can come to Rome, but the jubilee is truly for everyone and it is also being celebrated in your local churches,” he said. “Think carefully about the hope and desires you will hand over to Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in the Eucharist which we will celebrate together,” he added. “As you walk through the Holy Door, remember you are committing yourselves to grow in holiness and to draw nourishment from the Gospel and the Eucharist, the Word and the Bread of life, in order to help build a more just and fraternal world.

“May the Lord bless your journey towards the Holy Door. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your steps and enlighten you. For you and your families, and for all who help you to grow in goodness and in grace, may the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of us all, be true Door of Mercy.”

—This story ran in full in the January 22 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.