Pope Francis has released a powerful video message directly addressing the Diocese of Brownsville in Texas in commemoration of World Youth Day. This Diocese lies within the Mexican-American boarder and is known as one of the poorest regions in the United States.
With the strong prevalence of World Youth Day, several underprivileged young people gathered at a local event organized by the Diocese in conjunction with the international celebration.
ENGLISH TEXT OF THE POPE'S VIDEO MESSAGE TO DIOCESE OF BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS:
'Dear young people of the Diocese of Brownsville, gathered on the feast day of Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. I know that you are gathered in Texas, very close to Mexico, very close to Latin America. And I know that you are gathered to come together spiritually with World Youth Day in Krakow. I want to be close to you. I want to tell you to always look forward, always look towards the horizon, donâ??t let life put walls in front of you, always look at the horizonâ?
'Always have courage to want more, more, more â?¦ with courage, but, at the same time, do not forget to look back to the heritage you have received from your ancestors, from your grandparents, from your parents; to the legacy of faith that you now have in your hands, as you look forward.â?
'I know that some of you will ask me: 'Father, yes, you tell us to look at the horizon and to remember things, but today, what do I do?â? Play life to the full! Today, take life as it comes and do good to others. In the world today, a game is being played out in which there is no room for substitutes: either youâ??re in the team or youâ??re out. Take the memories youâ??ve inherited, look towards the horizon and today, grasp life and carry it forward, use it productively, make it fruitful. God calls you to be fruitful! God calls you to transmit this life to others. God calls you to create hope. God calls you to receive mercy and show mercy to others. God calls you to be happy. Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid. Play life to the full! That is life.â?
'I wish you a good meeting of young people, united to World Youth Day, united with young people who are in Krakow. Live enthusiastically and go forward! May the Virgin Mary take great care of you and may Jesus bless you. And please do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.â?
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