CELEBRATION OF 14TH WORLD YOUTH DAY

VATICAN CITY, MAR 28, 1999 (VIS) - Today, Palm Sunday and the 14th World Youth Day, the Pope presided at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in the presence of thousands of young people from all over the world.

In his homily, the Pope said that the Holy Week ceremonies "begin with 'Hosanna' ... and culminate in the 'Crucifige' (Crucify him) of Good Friday. ... Christ, although he was sinless, took upon himself all that man could not tolerate: injustice, evil, sin, hate, suffering, and finally, death. In Christ, the Son of man, humiliated and suffering, God loves and forgives everyone, and confers the ultimate meaning to human life."

John Paul II then referred to World Youth Days which began in 1985, and which, "following the 'Holy Year Cross', have taken place throughout the world like a long pilgrimage towards the new millennium. ... Today's World Youth Day is the last before the Jubilee: it has, however, a particular importance. Thanks to the contribution of all may this be a strong experience of faith and ecclesial communion!"

"Beloved young people!" said the Pope, "go with joy to meet Christ, Who is the joy of your youth. Seek Him and find Him in adhering to His Word and the mystery of His presence in the Church and in the sacraments. Live with Him in faithfulness to His Gospel, which is demanding, it is true, to the point of sacrifice, but which is at the same time the only source of hope and true happiness. Love Him in the person of your brother or sister in need of justice, help, friendship and peace."

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