Pope Francis has called on young Polish pilgrims to show the world the joy of being God’s children.
In remarks to Polish-speaking people during Wednesday’s General Audience, the Pope addressed young pilgrims from the country who meet each year in Lecnica, at the baptismal fonts of Poland, to renew their commitment to Christ and the Church.
“Dear young people! Be brave! Respond with enthusiasm to God’s love, as His beloved children,” the Pope told them. He urged the youth to reflect on what it means to be God’s children, experience His love and desire “to live this love so as to bear witness to it before others.”
Recommending how they ought to prepare for the Lord, Francis implored those gathered to use this time to “enter deeply into and live the mystery of Jesus’ divine sonship and – in Him – of all those who, through Baptism, participate in His life, death and resurrection.”
Being His Children, the Pope stressed, requires responding with trust when you return to the merciful Father, as prodigal sons. Therefore, he directed them to “always rejoice in the grace of being God’s children, and bring this joy to the world.
“May St. John Paul II, who began your journey to Lednica with you eighteen years ago, guide you and obtain all the necessary grace so that your young lives are full and generous,” he said.
After delivering his catechesis toward the end of the audience, the Pope reminded the faithful that the Church is preparing for the solemnity of Pentecost.
He also welcomed pilgrims from Bergamo, Italy, hometown of Pope Saint John XXIII, and sent special words to young people, the sick, and newlyweds.
“Dear young people, I invite you to give space to the initiative of God’s Spirit in your life; dear sick people, the Holy Spirit grant you in abundance the gifts of fortitude and piety; and you, dear newlyweds, particularly participants in the conference organized by the Focolare Movement, call him often in your married life.” (D.C.L.)
