Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “You, dear university students are continually searching for the truth. But the truth about mankind cannot be reached only with the means offered by science in its diverse disciplines. You know that it is possible to discover the whole truth about mankind, the truth about ourselves only through the loving eyes of Christ. It is He, the Lord who comes to us in the Mystery of the Eucharist. Never cease therefore to search for Him and in his eyes you will discover a captivating reflection of the goodness and beauty which He himself has poured into your hearts with the gift of His Spirit.” This was the Christmas wish which Pope John Paul II addressed to university students from Rome and other cities who filled St Peter’s Basilica for the customary annual Mass with the Pope yesterday 14 December in preparation for Christmas.
After greeting the academic community of Rome’s universities and delegations from universities in other cities the Pope mentioned the theme for reflection chosen by young people on the occasion of the Year of the Eucharist and in preparation for World Youth Day: "Eucharist and Truth about mankind". “This is a demanding theme - the Pope said -. In fact in front of the Eucharistic mystery we are challenged to verify out faith, our hope and our charity”. To Jesus’ statement "I am the living bread come down from heaven" (Jn 6, 51), we cannot be indifferent, the Pope said. The Eucharistic bread, “holds within it the saving offer of life which Christ offered for the life of the world. Does this not prompt a spontaneous question: "and is my ‘flesh’ - my humanity, my life - for anyone? Is it filled with love of God and charity for others?” The Holy Father ended his homily wishing the university students the courage “to seek the truth” about themselves in the light of the infinite love of Jesus made man for our salvation. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2004; Righe 21; Parole 319)
