VATICAN CITY, APR 6, 2001 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in St. Peter's Square, 30,000 youth participated in an encounter with the Holy Father in preparation for the 16th World Youth Day, which this year will be held in all dioceses on April 8th, Palm Sunday. Among those present was a delegation of youth from Toronto, Canada, host of World Youth Day in 2002.
After a lively celebration with singers and athletes, several youth thanked the Holy Father for the experience at Tor Vergata last August, during the 15th World Youth Day. They also presented the Pope with reflections in response to his invitation to a greater commitment to the evangelization of their peers.
In the second part of the encounter, John Paul II gave a discourse and imparted his Apostolic Blessing.
The Pope affirmed that the theme of today's encounter, "Let Us Put Out Into the Deep," is a response "to the invitation which I made to the entire Church, at the end of the Jubilee to 'Put Out Into the Deep'."
"Put out into the deep to go where?" he asked. "The answer is clear: to go out to meet man" and "to go out towards all of mankind." The Pope then added: "In my ministry I have never tired of meeting people. ... God willing, I do not intend to stop, because I am certain that in personal contact with our brothers one can more easily announce Christ."
John Paul II emphasized that "to announce and bear witness to the Gospel involves many difficulties," yet "we must not fear, because Christ can change man's heart and is able to work a 'miraculous catch' when we least imagine."
Addressing himself particularly to adolescents, the Holy Father affirmed that "the limited experience you have had puts you at risk of being preyed upon by those who speculate on emotions," who tend to present "immoral choices as values." It is important, he told them, that "you have close to you sincere, loyal, and faithful friends; mature and responsible people, who take care of you."
The Holy Father went on to call all educational institutions, and in particular Christian families, to "be authentic communities, 'workshops' in which a training in the faith and in faithfulness to love is given; believing families ready to help those in difficulty."
He continued: "A Pope speaks to you who is now over 80 years old, but still has a young heart, because he has always wanted and intends to continue to walk with you, young people, who are the hope of the Church and of society. ... I repeat: pay attention to what is presented to you. When words and lifestyles which deny Gospel values are put before you, have the strength to say 'no'."
The Pope then exhorted the youth to organize, "with the help of the adults and priests of your communities, formative encounters about your most important current questions."
"At the basis of everything," the Holy Father concluded, "must be a daily and sincere relationship with the Divine Teacher. May there be prayer, listening to the Word of God and meditation, the Eucharistic celebration, Eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of Confession."
AC;WORLD YOUTH DAY;...;ROME;VIS;20010406;Word: 530;
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