By time you read this 68 youth, young adults and adults from the Diocese of Portland, Maine have begun their pilgrimage to Europe, which will take them through Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, and then to Madrid to join their peers in the celebration of World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI.
In his message for this World Youth Day Pope Benedict XVI writes, "I think that, to some extent, this urge to break out of the ordinary is present in every generation. Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life and a secure job, a yearning for something really truly greater. Is this simply an empty dream that fades away as we become older? No! Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Nothing else will ever be enough. Saint Augustine was right when he said 'our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you'."
And yet our world seemingly strives to find so many things to replace the only One who can allow us to know who we are and to know the greatness for which we were created. Think about the people in your lives who yearn for something more than the mundane. Think about those you love who are restless and searching for infinity. What can help them shake free from the path of secularism that binds so many?
The answer: only Christ.
And those of us, who have been blessed to know and receive the gift of faith and who are in love with the Risen Lord. We are responsible for bearing the Good News of Christ to those who have not heard or seen. We are called to be evangelists in the modern world. Each of us must say yes to serving the Lord and one another in this way.
Our office is sponsoring many offerings in the fall, and beyond, that can help you to grow in faith and in effectiveness as a witness of Christ's truth and love. These events, retreats and trainings may also be part of the answer to the restlessness experienced by many you know in your daily walk of life.
It is our prayer that you will not only join us for many of these but spread the news to all those who will listen so that many will come together to celebrate throughout the coming months just as the young people of the world will be celebrating together over the next two weeks.
Please pray for the pilgrims of our diocese, including Bishop Malone, and be assured of our prayers as well. Lastly, check our Facebook, Twitter and Blog pages for daily WYD updates from our diocesan delegation!
By Michael Lavigne
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