Speaking with youth in Brownsville, Texas

Pope Francis has released a video message to the young people of the US Diocese of Brownsville (Texas). The Diocese of Brownsville lies on the Mexican border and is considered one of the most impoverished areas of the United States.

The gathering of young people was organized to coincide with World Youth Day, which is taking place in Krakow, Poland and to mark the Feast of Saint Anne, the patron of the Parish where the event is taking place.

Video message of His Holiness, Pope Francis

addressed to young people of the Diocese of Brownsville (Texas)

Dear young people of the Diocese of Brownsville, gathered on the feast day of Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. 

I know that you are gathered in Texas, very close to Mexico, very close to Latin America. And I know that you are gathered to come together spiritually with World Youth  Day in Kraków. I want to be close to you. I want to tell you to always look forward, always look towards the horizon, don’t let life put walls in front of you, always look toward the horizon. Always have courage to want more, more, more … with courage, but, at the same time, do not forget to look back to the heritage you have received from your ancestors, from your grandparents, from your parents; to the legacy of faith that you now have in your hands, as you look forward.

I know that some of you will ask me: Father, yes, you tell us to look at the horizon and to remember things, but today, what do I do? Enjoy life to the full! Today, take life as it comes and do good for others. In the world today, a game is being played out in which there is no room for substitutes: either you’re on the team or you’re out. Take the memories you’ve inherited, look towards the horizon and today, grasp life and carry it forward, use it productively, make it fruitful. God calls you to be fruitful! God calls you to transmit this life to others. God calls you to create hope. God calls you to receive mercy and show mercy to others. God calls you to be happy. Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid. Live life to the full! That is life.

I wish you a good meeting of young people, united with World Youth Day, united with young people who are in Kraków. Live enthusiastically and go forward! May the Virgin Mary take great care of you and may Jesus bless you. And please do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.