Saturday, October 27, 2018

Young people thank Pope Francis

The young auditors who participated in the Synod organized a show to thank the Pope and the Synod Fathers for listening throughout this month of discussions. The young people who participated at the Synod organized an evening of entertainment for the Pope and the Bishops who partook in the gathering. Synod Fathers also got into the spirit of the occasion with Cardinal Baldisseri performing two pieces on the piano. Poetry, dance, song and music also formed part of the show in the Paul VI Hall complex.


Message presented by youth to His Holiness, Pope Francis
at the conclusion of the Synod discussions

Dearest Pope Francis,

We, the young people present at the Synod, want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and joy to you for having given us the space to make this little piece of history together. New ideas need space and you gave it to us. Today's world, which presents us young people with unprecedented opportunities but also a lot of suffering, needs new answers and the new power of love. There is a need to rediscover hope and to live the happiness that is experienced in giving more than receiving, working for a better world.

We want to affirm that we share your dream: an outgoing Church, open to all, especially the weak, a field hospital Church. We are already an active part of this Church and we want to continue to make a concrete commitment to improving our cities and schools, and the social and political world and working environments, by spreading a culture of peace and solidarity and by putting the poor at the centre, in whom Jesus himself is recognized.

At the end of this Synod we wish to tell you that we are with you and with all the bishops of our Church, also in times of difficulty. We ask you to continue the journey you have undertaken and we promise you our full support and daily prayer.


Letter from the Synod Fathers to Youth

We the Synod Fathers now address you, young people of the world, with a word of hope, trust and consolation. In these days, we have gathered together to hear the voice of Jesus, the eternally young Christ, and to recognize in Him your many voices, your shouts of exultation, your cries, and your moments of silence.

We are familiar with your inner searching, the joys and hopes, the pain and anguish that make up your longings. Now we want you to hear a word from us: we wish to be sharers in your joy, so that your expectations may come to life. We are certain that with your enthusiasm for life, you will be ready to get involved so that your dreams may be realized and take shape in your history.

Our weaknesses should not deter you; our frailties and sins must not be an obstacle for your trust. The Church is your mother; she does not abandon you; she is ready to accompany you on new roads, on higher paths where the winds of the Spirit blow stronger – sweeping away the mists of indifference, superficiality and discouragement.

When the world that God so loved, that he gave us his only Son, Jesus, is focused on material things, on short-term successes, on pleasures, and when the world crushes the weakest, you must help it to rise up again and to turn its gaze towards love, beauty, truth and justice once more.

For a month, we have walked together with some of you and with many others who have been united to us through prayer and affection. We wish to continue the journey now in every part of the earth where the Lord Jesus sends us as missionary disciples.

The Church and the world urgently need your enthusiasm. Be sure to make the most fragile people, the poor and those wounded by life your traveling companions.

You are the present; be a brighter future.

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