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Saint Vincent de Paul
Roman Catholic Church
979 Avenue C -
Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
(201) 436-2222 Fax:(201) 437-5235
Founded 1894
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[Pope Benedict XVI]
  Pope
Benedict XVI
Apostolic Journey to the United States
April 15 - 20, 2008
Prepared text as released by the Vatican of
Pope Benedict’s address at youth rally:
Your Eminence,
Dear Brother Bishops,
Dear Young Friends,
“Proclaim the Lord Christ … and always have your answer ready for people
who ask the reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15). With
these words from the First Letter of Peter I greet each of you with
heartfelt affection. I thank Cardinal Egan for his kind words of welcome
and I also thank the representatives chosen from among you for their
gestures of welcome. To Bishop Walsh, Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary,
staff and seminarians, I offer my special greetings and gratitude.
Young friends, I am very happy to have the opportunity to speak with you.
Please pass on my warm greetings to your family members and relatives, and
to the teachers and staff of the various schools, colleges and
universities you attend. I know that many people have worked hard to
ensure that our gathering could take place. I am most grateful to them
all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday! Thank
you for this moving gesture; I give you all an “A plus” for your German
pronunciation! This evening I wish to share with you some thoughts about
being disciples of Jesus Christ ? walking in the Lord’s footsteps, our own
lives become a journey of hope.
In front of you are the images of six ordinary men and women who grew up
to lead extraordinary lives. The Church honors them as Venerable, Blessed,
or Saint: each responded to the Lord’s call to a life of charity and each
served him here, in the alleys, streets and suburbs of New York. I am
struck by what a remarkably diverse group they are: poor and rich, lay men
and women - one a wealthy wife and mother - priests and sisters,
immigrants from afar, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior father and
Algonquin mother, another a Haitian slave, and a Cuban intellectual.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John
Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Padre
Felix Varela: any one of us could be among them, for there is no
stereotype to this group, no single mold. Yet a closer look reveals that
there are common elements. Inflamed with the love of Jesus, their lives
became remarkable journeys of hope. For some, that meant leaving home and
embarking on a pilgrim journey of thousands of miles. For each there was
an act of abandonment to God, in the confidence that he is the final
destination of every pilgrim. And all offered an outstretched hand of hope
to those they encountered along the way, often awakening in them a life of
faith. Through orphanages, schools and hospitals, by befriending the poor,
the sick and the marginalized, and through the compelling witness that
comes from walking humbly in the footsteps of Jesus, these six people laid
open the way of faith, hope and charity to countless individuals,
including perhaps your own ancestors.
And what of today? Who bears witness to the Good News of Jesus on the
streets of New York, in the troubled neighborhoods of large cities, in the
places where the young gather, seeking someone in whom they can trust? God
is our origin and our destination, and Jesus the way. The path of that
journey twists and turns ? just as it did for our saints ? through the
joys and the trials of ordinary, everyday life: within your families, at
school or college, during your recreation activities, and in your parish
communities. All these places are marked by the culture in which you are
growing up. As young Americans you are offered many opportunities for
personal development, and you are brought up with a sense of generosity,
service and fairness. Yet you do not need me to tell you that there are
also difficulties: activities and mindsets which stifle hope, pathways
which seem to lead to happiness and fulfillment but in fact end only in
confusion and fear.
My own years as a teenager were marred by a sinister regime that thought
it had all the answers; its influence grew - infiltrating schools and
civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion - before it was fully
recognized for the monster it was. It banished God and thus became
impervious to anything true and good. Many of your grandparents and
great-grandparents will have recounted the horror of the destruction that
ensued. Indeed, some of them came to America precisely to escape such
terror.
Let us thank God that today many people of your generation are able to
enjoy the liberties which have arisen through the extension of democracy
and respect for human rights. Let us thank God for all those who strive to
ensure that you can grow up in an environment that nurtures what is
beautiful, good, and true: your parents and grandparents, your teachers
and priests, those civic leaders who seek what is right and just.
The power to destroy does, however, remain. To pretend otherwise would be
to fool ourselves. Yet, it never triumphs; it is defeated. This is the
essence of the hope that defines us as Christians; and the Church recalls
this most dramatically during the Easter Triduum and celebrates it with
great joy in the season of Easter! The One who shows us the way beyond
death is the One who shows us how to overcome destruction and fear: thus
it is Jesus who is the true teacher of life (cf. Spe Salvi, 6). His death
and resurrection mean that we can say to the Father “you have restored us
to life!” (Prayer after Communion, Good Friday). And so, just a few weeks
ago, during the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy, it was not from despair or
fear that we cried out to God for our world, but with hope-filled
confidence: dispel the darkness of our heart! dispel the darkness of our
minds! (cf. Prayer at the Lighting of the Easter Candle).
What might that darkness be? What happens when people, especially the most
vulnerable, encounter a clenched fist of repression or manipulation rather
than a hand of hope? A first group of examples pertains to the heart.
Here, the dreams and longings that young people pursue can so easily be
shattered or destroyed. I am thinking of those affected by drug and
substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence, and
degradation - especially of girls and women. While the causes of these
problems are complex, all have in common a poisoned attitude of mind which
results in people being treated as mere objects ? a callousness of heart
takes hold which first ignores, then ridicules, the God-given dignity of
every human being. Such tragedies also point to what might have been and
what could be, were there other hands - your hands - reaching out. I
encourage you to invite others, especially the vulnerable and the
innocent, to join you along the way of goodness and hope.
The second area of darkness - that which affects the mind - often goes
unnoticed, and for this reason is particularly sinister. The manipulation
of truth distorts our perception of reality, and tarnishes our imagination
and aspirations. I have already mentioned the many liberties which you are
fortunate enough to enjoy. The fundamental importance of freedom must be
rigorously safeguarded. It is no surprise then that numerous individuals
and groups vociferously claim their freedom in the public forum. Yet
freedom is a delicate value. It can be misunderstood or misused so as to
lead not to the happiness which we all expect it to yield, but to a dark
arena of manipulation in which our understanding of self and the world
becomes confused, or even distorted by those who have an ulterior agenda.
Have you noticed how often the call for freedom is made without ever
referring to the truth of the human person? Some today argue that respect
for freedom of the individual makes it wrong to seek truth, including the
truth about what is good. In some circles to speak of truth is seen as
controversial or divisive, and consequently best kept in the private
sphere. And in truth’s place - or better said its absence - an idea has
spread which, in giving value to everything indiscriminately, claims to
assure freedom and to liberate conscience. This we call relativism. But
what purpose has a “freedom” which, in disregarding truth, pursues what is
false or wrong? How many young people have been offered a hand which in
the name of freedom or experience has led them to addiction, to moral or
intellectual confusion, to hurt, to a loss of self-respect, even to
despair and so tragically and sadly to the taking of their own life? Dear
friends, truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It
is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always
trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth
is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting
out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting go of self and allowing
oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very being for others (cf. Spe Salvi,
28).
How then can we as believers help others to walk the path of freedom which
brings fulfillment and lasting happiness? Let us again turn to the saints.
How did their witness truly free others from the darkness of heart and
mind? The answer is found in the kernel of their faith; the kernel of our
faith. The Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, tells us that God does indeed
find a place among us. Though the inn is full, he enters through the
stable, and there are people who see his light. They recognize Herod’s
dark closed world for what it is, and instead follow the bright guiding
star of the night sky. And what shines forth? Here you might recall the
prayer uttered on the most holy night of Easter: “Father we share in the
light of your glory through your Son the light of the world … inflame us
with your hope!” (Blessing of the Fire). And so, in solemn procession with
our lighted candles we pass the light of Christ among us. It is “the light
which dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings
mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly
pride” (Exsultet). This is Christ’s light at work. This is the way of the
saints. It is a magnificent vision of hope - Christ’s light beckons you to
be guiding stars for others, walking Christ’s way of forgiveness,
reconciliation, humility, joy and peace.
At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the
strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage!
Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s
presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of
Christianity. Let your imaginations soar freely along the limitless
expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we are looked
upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further
from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of
wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness
of his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith.
Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four
essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and
silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations.
What matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with God.
That relationship is expressed in prayer. God by his very nature speaks,
hears, and replies. Indeed, Saint Paul reminds us: we can and should “pray
constantly” (1 Thess 5:17). Far from turning in on ourselves or
withdrawing from the ups and downs of life, by praying we turn towards God
and through him to each other, including the marginalized and those
following ways other than God’s path (cf. Spe Salvi, 33). As the saints
teach us so vividly, prayer becomes hope in action. Christ was their
constant companion, with whom they conversed at every step of their
journey for others.
There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent
contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s
revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have
heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost
something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s
whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of
silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his
word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness.
In the liturgy we find the whole Church at prayer. The word liturgy means
the participation of God’s people in “the work of Christ the Priest and of
His Body which is the Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). What is that
work? First of all it refers to Christ’s Passion, his Death and
Resurrection, and his Ascension - what we call the Paschal Mystery. It
also refers to the celebration of the liturgy itself. The two meanings are
in fact inseparably linked because this “work of Jesus” is the real
content of the liturgy. Through the liturgy, the “work of Jesus” is
continually brought into contact with history; with our lives in order to
shape them. Here we catch another glimpse of the grandeur of our Christian
faith. Whenever you gather for Mass, when you go to Confession, whenever
you celebrate any of the sacraments, Jesus is at work. Through the Holy
Spirit, he draws you to himself, into his sacrificial love of the Father
which becomes love for all. We see then that the Church’s liturgy is a
ministry of hope for humanity. Your faithful participation, is an active
hope which helps to keep the world - saints and sinners alike - open to
God; this is the truly human hope we offer everyone (cf. Spe Salvi, 34).
Your personal prayer, your times of silent contemplation, and your
participation in the Church’s liturgy, bring you closer to God and also
prepare you to serve others. The saints accompanying us this evening show
us that the life of faith and hope is also a life of charity.
Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We
can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move (cf. Deus
Caritas Est, 12). The opportunities to make this journey are abundant.
Look about you with Christ’s eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think
with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth and
justice? Many of the examples of the suffering which our saints responded
to with compassion are still found here in this city and beyond. And new
injustices have arisen: some are complex and stem from the exploitation of
the heart and manipulation of the mind; even our common habitat, the earth
itself, groans under the weight of consumerist greed and irresponsible
exploitation. We must listen deeply. We must respond with a renewed social
action that stems from the universal love that knows no bounds. In this
way, we ensure that our works of mercy and justice become hope in action
for others.
Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First
of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They
have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for
baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of
your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You
became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated
into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for
mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be
struggling in any way - socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor
the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always
appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.
Gathered here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present
and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know
that your numbers are increasing! The People of God look to you to be holy
priests, on a daily journey of conversion, inspiring in others the desire
to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers. I urge you to
deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart
with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit.
Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and
humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are
to become living icons (cf. Pastores Dabo Vobis, 33). Dear seminarians, I
pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is to dwell
in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.
Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests contribute greatly to the mission
of the Church. Their prophetic witness is marked by a profound conviction
of the primacy with which the Gospel shapes Christian life and transforms
society. Today, I wish to draw your attention to the positive spiritual
renewal which Congregations are undertaking in relation to their charism.
The word charism means a gift freely and graciously given. Charisms are
bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who inspires founders and foundresses, and
shapes Congregations with a subsequent spiritual heritage. The wondrous
array of charisms proper to each Religious Institute is an extraordinary
spiritual treasury. Indeed, the history of the Church is perhaps most
beautifully portrayed through the history of her schools of spirituality,
most of which stem from the saintly lives of founders and foundresses.
Through the discovery of charisms, which yield such a breadth of spiritual
wisdom, I am sure that some of you young people will be drawn to a life of
apostolic or contemplative service. Do not be shy to speak with Religious
Brothers, Sisters or Priests about the charism and spirituality of their
Congregation. No perfect community exists, but it is fidelity to a
founding charism, not to particular individuals, that the Lord calls you
to discern. Have courage! You too can make your life a gift of self for
the love of the Lord Jesus and, in him, of every member of the human
family (cf. Vita Consecrata, 3).
Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is
God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ.
The saints show us the selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ,
their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which
is the Church. It is from within the Church that you too will find the
courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished by personal
prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church’s liturgy you will
discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You
are Christ’s disciples today. Shine his light upon this great city and
beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you.
Tell others about the truth that sets you free. With these sentiments of
great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet again in Sydney this
July for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you and your
families, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.
* * *
Queridos Seminaristas, queridos jóvenes:
Es para mí una gran alegría poder encontrarme con todos ustedes en este
día de mi cumpleaños. Gracias por su acogida y por el cariño que me han
demostrado.
Les animo a abrirle al Señor su corazón para que Él lo llene por completo
y con el fuego de su amor lleven su Evangelio a todos los barrios de Nueva
York.
La luz de la fe les impulsará a responder al mal con el bien y la santidad
de vida, como lo hicieron los grandes testigos del Evangelio a lo largo de
los siglos. Ustedes están llamados a continuar esa cadena de amigos de
Jesús, que encontraron en su amor el gran tesoro de sus vidas. Cultiven
esta amistad a través de la oración, tanto personal como litúrgica, y por
medio de las obras de caridad y del compromiso por ayudar a los más
necesitados. Si no lo han hecho, plantéense seriamente si el Señor les
pide seguirlo de un modo radical en el ministerio sacerdotal o en la vida
consagrada. No basta una relación esporádica con Cristo. Una amistad así
no es tal. Cristo les quiere amigos suyos íntimos, fieles y perseverantes.
A la vez que les renuevo mi invitación a participar en la Jornada Mundial
de la Juventud en Sidney, les aseguro mi recuerdo en la oración, en la que
suplico a Dios que los haga auténticos discípulos de Cristo Resucitado.
Muchas gracias. |