07/25/2016, 21.09
INDIA - WYD
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Msgr. D'Souza, the Church and the world need the young

The talents of young people, their energy, their creativity and their leadership are needed. The "challenges" to be "joyful proclaimers" of the love of God and the Gospel, defenders of human life, promoting sustainable development, future leaders of ecclesial and social life and bearers of ethical values, capable of transforming the world.

Sosnowic (AsiaNews) - Being "joyful proclaimers" of the love of God and the Gospel, defenders of human life, promoting sustainable development, future leaders of ecclesial and social life and bearers of ethical values, capable of transforming the world. These are the "challenges" today's youth face, according to Msgr. Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary and president of the Council for Youth for the Indian episcopate.

Mgr. D'Souza spoke about it during the Mass celebrated in Sosnowic, in Poland, where he leads the delegation of his country on the occasion of World Youth Day. "In this historic World Youth Day – he said among others - At this historic World Youth Day, led by our supreme leader Pope Francis, the Catholic youth of the world would be reflecting on the theme: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7). The Holy Bible reveals God as merciful, who is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Ps. 103:8). The Gospel of Luke unveils God’s very nature as mercy. God’s mercy is manifested in the parables of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-37), the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-24) and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (L16:19-31). These parables declare that the divine mercy is unconditional, limitless, and unending. They also declare serious implications to those who do not show mercy to others. Luke unequivocally insists on the need of being merciful “as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36).

Bringing the greetings of "more than 600 million young Indians," the bishop wanted to outline the issues and goals that young Christians are now confronted by "to deepen the experience the unconditional love of God offered to us in Jesus Christ and to love his Church, which is his Mystical Body".

"To be joyful heralds of God’s love and Good News – announcing the arrival of God’s kingdom by promoting equal dignity of all human beings, of men and women of all faiths, colours and races. To be champions of human life at all stages and in all forms, deeply humane and sensitive to the poor and needy. To promote sustainable development and protect environment and the “earth which is our common home”. To be leaders of tomorrow by taking up leadership roles in all areas of modern life – spiritual leadership as priests and religious sisters and brothers, political life, professionals, media persons, artistes and farmers. To be transforming leaders with profound ethical and moral values, capable of solving the problems of the world and ushering in “new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1)”.

“The Church and the world need the youth. They need youth’s talents, their energy, their imagination and their leadership. The youth of today cannot afford to be distracted by violence, materialism, pornography, addiction to substance and wayward life. Neither can they be indifferent and silent spectators. They need to be focussed and become achievers, veritable transforming agents. They need to build bridges linking people of all faiths, cultures and nationalities. Let us start here in Poland, and carry the torch to the ends of the earth. Trusting in God’s grace, love and mercy, let us march ahead to carry out our God-given mission to build a better Church and a better society. May Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, who brought joy and hope to the world, guide us and help us to be what we are called to be. God bless Poland, God bless the world youth".

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