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Pope: "Go and make disciples of all nations", the theme of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro
In his general audience in Castel Gandolfo, Benedict XVI reflects on his days of Madrid describing them as "a cascade of light." His hope: "May all these young people remain faithful to their commitment to root their lives in Him" and become "leaven among the masses."
Castel Gandolfo (AsiaNews) - "Go and make disciples to all nations" will be the theme of World Youth Day 2013, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 18 to 23. This was announced today by Benedict XVI at the end of the general audience held in Castel Gandolfo, noting that "it is the mandate given by Jesus." Next year, the 2012 World Youth Day will be celebrated instead at the diocesan level with the theme "Always be joyful in the Lord."
Benedict XVI drew attention to several moments of WYD in Madrid, which he described as a: " formidable joy, an experience of fellowship, of encounter with the Lord, sharing and growth in faith, a veritable cascade of light." He recalled the storm that hit Cuatro Vientos airport Saturday night, during the vigil of prayer. And he noted how the "young people were not at all intimidated " by this adversity, but instead gathered in "silence and worship."
"I experienced their enthusiasm and their desire to move towards the deeper truth, that God makes known to us through Christ," added the Pope, who seemed particularly thrilled to remember "moments of great intensity" and "irrepressible enthusiasm” and his hope that “all these young people can remain faithful to their commitment to root their lives in Him "and become" leaven among the masses. "
To the 4500 pilgrims present in the courtyard of the summer residence the pontiff recalled that some 2 million young people from all continents attended WYD in Madrid.
In his short address, Benedict XVI again thanked all those who worked in the organization of World Youth Day and expressed his "gratitude" to the Spanish authorities and institutions. "I can not forget the warm welcome I received from their Majesties, the Spanish royal family, as well as from all over the country," he said. Among the various moments of his extraordinary journey to Spain Benedict XVI spoke of his reception in the Plaza de Cibeles, the "uncontrollable enthusiasm", his meetings with young women religious and young academics at the monastery of El Escorial, the Way of the Cross on Friday evening. His meeting with the seminarians in the Cathedral of Madrid, among whom were some who had heard their call in previous editions of the WYD. "I am sure that in Madrid the Lord has knocked on the door of the hearts of many young people to follow him in the priesthood or religious life," he added, renewing his prayer for an "increase in vocations to the priesthood."
"I carry the memory of these days in my heart as a great gift," he concluded. The World Youth Day in Madrid was "a wonderful manifestation of faith for Spain and for the world, and for the young people a special occasion for reflection, dialogue, exchange, positive experiences. They prayed together and renewed their commitment to root their lives in Christ, their faithful friend. I continue to accompany them in my prayers that they may remain faithful to the commitments made”. "