March 02nd, 2021

1.Accompanying Others

We need to encourage and accompany the person, without imposing our own roadmaps…If you are to accompany others on this path, you must be the first to follow it, day in and day out. That is what Mary did, in her own youth, as she confronted her own questions and difficulties. May she renew your youthfulness by the power of her prayers and accompany you always by her maternal presence.

My joyful hope is to see you keep running the race before you, outstripping all those who are slow or fearful. Keep running, ‘attracted by the face of Christ, whom we love so much, whom we adore in the Holy Eucharist and acknowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters. May the Holy Spirit urge you on as you run this race. The church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! And when  you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us.
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(From Pope Francis’ letter to young people, Christ Is Alive, art.298-299)