Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass with young people
On this 6th Sunday of Easter time, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, Parish of Parque das Nações, welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. Américo Aguiar, President of the World Youth Day (WYD) Foundation Lisbon 2023, and the Apostolic Nuncio in Portugal were also present.
©Elsa Vitorino / WYD Lisbon 2023
During his homily, Archbishop Pietro Parolin addressed the youth, believing that "today's celebration, on this 6th Sunday of Easter, is a propitious occasion to reflect together on the journey of preparation for the next World Youth Day, which will take place here in Lisbon.
With 79 days left before WYD Lisbon 2023, the Vatican Secretary of State thanked those who are preparing this meeting and recalled that, "although for most young people this meeting will only begin at the beginning of August, for each one of you, who are actively involved in its preparation, it has already begun. It is already part of your prayers, your work, your generosity and your commitment".
In this sense, Cardinal Pietro Parolin also recalled the importance of prayer in this journey of preparation for WYD Lisbon 2023, because it is these moments of prayer "that strengthen you and renew your hearts." "World Youth Day is naturally a festive event, but at the same time, an opportunity to meet and share with young people from all over the world," he added.
D. Pietro Parolin also greeted all the young people present at the Church of Our Lady of Navigators, "who with their joy and enthusiasm give renewed strength to the Church.
It is this certainty that I wish to transmit to you: you are not alone. We are all aware that the preparation for World Youth Day is always complex, full of constant challenges and at times of obstacles that seem insurmountable
Bearing in mind the current circumstances in which every young person lives, where "many young people experience an existential emptiness that often does not allow them to find meaning in their lives", the Vatican Secretary of State believes that "Each and every young person carries within himself the desire to find an answer to his deepest yearnings".
Therefore, "the invitation of the Apostle Peter, is an incentive to welcome each and every young pilgrim with their questions and longings and to broaden their horizons with a Hope that is given to us by Christ, who lives in our hearts.
Dear young people, dream high, dream big and that the next World Youth Day may make real the Hope of so many young people who will come looking for meaning in their lives, directing their expectations towards God
©Elsa Vitorino / WYD Lisbon 2023
Many national and international volunteers were present at this celebration on the way to WYD Lisbon 2023, joining the youth and the community of the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes to pray together for the biggest meeting of youth from around the world with the Pope.
