Vatican City: Pope Francis has called on the youth of the Syro-Malabar Church to follow Jesus, the way and the truth, and to walk in the path of love that leads to eternal life. This journey is arduous but exciting and gives meaning to our lives. The Pope reminded the youth that in this age of turmoil, it would give them the courage to accept a life of service, responsibility, and restraint and to say no to external and luxurious circumstances.
Holy Father was addressing the first Youth Leaders’ Meeting organized in Rome for the Syro-Malabar youth outside India. The event was attended by 70 youth ministers selected from five countries and eight church priests, including two cardinals. It is noteworthy that the meeting took place in the year commemorating the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle.
The Pope began his message by giving thanks for the initial introductions and greetings by St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese of Melbourne, Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur.
‘You are the expatriate youth of the Syro Malabar Church. The Christian community was formed in the first century after the arrival of Thomas the Apostle on the west coast of India and the sowing of the Gospel. His martyrdom expressed his love for Jesus, which the Apostle affirmed by addressing him, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:29). This year is historically the 1950th anniversary of that great sacrifice.’
The church becomes apostolic and grows by the testimony of faith like the apostles and not by conversion. Every Christian participates in the church’s growth based on how much one witnesses Jesus. Each baptized person must participate in the building of the church. You, too, have been called to testify. May God bless you to be a witness, first among your peers in the Syro-Malabar Church itself and later among other brethren and even those who do not know Jesus.
The Lord never abandons us. He is always on our side. The Pope reminded us that if we can make room for him in our lives and share our joys and sorrows, we will experience the peace that only God can give.
Pope also reminded young people not to be afraid to fight against the growing tendency to shrink love into something despicable, without beauty or honest sharing and without loyalty and responsibility. The Pope declared that the theme of the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon was based on the thirty-ninth verse of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, “Mary arose and went in haste.”
The Pope also called for living by inspiration from the example of Mary. Today’s fervent requests in life’s journey will become tomorrow’s expressions of gratitude. The Holy Father concluded his message by thanking and blessing those present and asking them to pray for him.