LOS NEGRALES, Spain.
Maite Uribe, President of the Teresian Association, has sent a message to the young people who will participate from July 22-28 at the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world are traveling in different dioceses in the country. On Monday afternoon, July 22, Pope Francisco arrived in Brazil. The theme of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro is, "Go and make disciples of all nations."
"Go and make disciples of all nations" (cf. Mt 28, 19)
Dear youth attending WYD and coming from many places. You represent many other young people who have chosen to participate in a different manner in the alternative proposals organized by dioceses and TA youth movements.
To all my cordial greetings and best wishes that during these days you may experience moments of fellowship, of reflection, of sharing faith and life that will guide you more deeply into the theme of this WYD: "Go and make disciples of all nations "(Mt 28:19).
You are invited to something dynamic, that is, to go, to walk, to travel, and to do so in the name of the one who sent you, Jesus. You are also invited to participate with an openness that will enable you to think that you can get to all peoples.
You are invited to make known the person of Jesus and his Gospel, without fear, without hesitation, without borders. As we have been invited by Pope Francisco many times, Christians are called to cross borders, to reach out moving away from known spaces that are too protected to build bridges, to be brave and fearless, as Pedro Poveda reminds us many times and in so many ways.
There are invitations from Pedro Poveda that can help you live the experience of WYD, encouraged by his charisma. In a time when the social situation made it difficult not only in Spain but also in Europe and other continents, Pedro Poveda said: "At this time we need strong friends of God," that is, when the daily realities are challenging we need to get down to basics, to this friendship with God that gives us security in action and confidence in the ability to react and analyze. Thus, strength and boldness are very necessary in today's society.
I am thinking of a quote from St. Teresa of Jesus, an enterprising and passionate woman for God and the human person. Well, she said: “May we presume to use everything we learn about greater service of the Lord in His service” (Teresa of Avila). And you may ask: And how can we do so? Well, just like this: If you know well the things that can better serve the Lord, which for you is study, formation, profession, service to others and you do not try to fulfill these duties, then you do not accomplish the greater service. But, if you boast of fulfilling all of these by relying only on your strength and not putting all your trust in God, then you do not fulfill it, either.
Being strong friends of God means putting all your energy and gifts into that which you want to do and, at the same time, placing all your trust in Him who gives you his strength and friendship. At this WYD meeting, may the invitation to "go" help you to grow in desire to place yourselves at the service of others and give you the ability to be very human people and open to the experience of a deep friendship with God so that, from that vantage point, you may announce the good news to others.
A friendly hug.
Maite Uribe
Directora de la Institución Teresiana. Los Negrales, 21 de julio 2013