VATICAN - The Pope’s reflection at the Angelus: “Dearest young people, continue tirelessly along the path you have undertaken to be everywhere witnesses to Christ. Do not be afraid! May the Lord crucified and risen be your strength and may Most Holy Mary be ever at your side”

Monday, 21 March 2005

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The annual Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square was presided on behalf of Pope John Paul II, still recovering from his operation, by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s Vicar general for the diocese of Rome. At the end of the Mass Archbishop Leonardo Sandri read the Holy Father’s message and the Pope then blessed those present from his window. Here is our English translation of the Pope’s message.
“Dear brother and sisters! It is with great joy that I greet you at the end of the solemn celebration of Palm Sunday and I thank Cardinal Camillo Ruini who presided the Mass on my behalf. Twenty years ago on this very day here in this very Square World Youth Days started. Therefore today I address young people especially; you my beloved here present and young people the world over.
Dear young people! In August there will be the World Youth Meeting in Cologne in the heart of Germany and the heart of Europe. In the splendid cathedral of that city lie the relics of the Three Wise Men and in a way they are your guides towards this event. They came from the East to pay homage to Jesus saying: "We have come to adore him" (Mt 2,2). These words, rich in significance, are the theme of your spiritual and catechetical itinerary towards World Youth Day. Today you adore the Cross of Christ which you carry all over the world because you believe in God’s love fully revealed in Christ on the cross.
My dearest young people! I am ever more aware how providential and prophetic it is that this day, Palm Sunday and Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, should be your Day. This feast day contains a special grace that of joy united with the Cross which holds within it the Christian mystery.
Today I say to you: continue tirelessly along the path you have undertaken to be everywhere witnesses to Christ. Do not be afraid! May the Lord crucified and risen be your strength and may Most Holy Mary be ever at your side” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2005; righe 26, parole 365)


Share: