March 15, 2010. In his message for the upcoming World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI is already looking ahead by encouraging young people to also take part in next years event scheduled for August 2011 in Madrid.
Like in years past, the pope published his message for World Youth Day, a little before Easter. This year the Church will celebrate the event on Palm Sunday.
In his letter, Benedict XVI reached out to teens about vocation, generosity and responsibility. He urged them not to be afraid to go against the trends and to embrace their personal responsibility for building a better world.
In particular, he encouraged young men to answer the call to the priesthood if they feel God is calling on them. He also encouraged others who feel called to marriage, to count on true love and be open to life.
The Pope recalled that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Letter of John Paul II wrote to young people and also the 25th anniversary of the first World Youth Day, an event that according to Benedict XVI "has helped young people discover the beauty of the Church."
JMB/MC
CTV/PP
-WP-
