RMG - "I'd like to become a disciple of Jesus, to love others more than myself." The meaning of World Mission Day explained by a teen
Featured

22 October 2018

(ANS - Rome) - World Youth Day 2018, celebrated Sunday 21 October, even as the Synod of Bishops on young people was taking place, focuses precisely on young people as heralds of the faith: "Together with the young, let us bring the Gospel to all" is the chosen motto. For the Salesian Family - always characterized by missionary longing, and strongly convinced that there is no one better than a young person to accompany another young person to Christ - it is a message and a day that give new impetus to the apostolate.

Above all, the Pope's message aims to transmit to the young, often today in search of meaning, the full realization of having a mission in life; indeed, better: to be a mission: "Every man and woman is a mission, and this is the reason why he finds himself living on earth," explains the Pontiff.

Why the Pope exhorts them not to be afraid of Christ and His Church, announcing "that which it has freely received" in order to "share ... the way and the truth that lead to the sense of living on this earth." And he invites young people to ask themselves: "What would Christ do in my place?"

The Pope is aware that "the transmission of faith, the heart of the Church's mission, takes place through the 'contagion' of love", and young people can do so very much to reach the peripheries, the outskirts or inner cities, because they are also accustomed to the demands of the modern world's boundaries and able to tear down its walls and overcome its confines. But we cannot be satisfied: "the mission to the ends of the earth requires the gift of oneself," the Pope clearly states.

Hence he praises every initiative capable of stimulating young people in and towards the encounter with Jesus and to be at the service of the youngest - as well as missionary volunteers - and concludes by reminding every single young person: "Never think that you have nothing to give or that you do not need anybody. Many people need you, think about it."

Joyful witness, an open heart, the gift of self of the missionaries of the Salesian Family ... These are the elements that today make the catechumen Samlouth, an 18-year-old student at the Don Bosco Technical School in Poipet, Cambodia say: "I am deeply moved by the love of Jesus for his enemies. I would like to become a disciple of Jesus, to love others more than myself. This is I how I would like to answer to God who has always loved us!"

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".