PREPARING FOR YOUTH DAY

WORSHIP JESUS

"We have come to worship Him" (Mt 2:2): this is the theme of the next World Youth Day. It is a theme that enables young people from every continent to follow in spirit the path taken by the Magi ... and to meet ... the Messiah of all nations.

"CAREFULLY PREPARE YOURSELVES"

It is important for you not only to concern yourselves with the practical arrangements for World Youth Day, but first of all, you must carefully prepare yourselves spiritually, in an atmosphere of faith and listening to the Word of God.

LISTEN TO JESUS

Listen to Him [Jesus], prepare yourselves properly and draw close to the Sacrament of the Altar, particularly in this Year of the Eucharist (October 2004-2005)...

AN OFFERING TO THE LORD

You ... offer to the Lord ... your freedom to follow Him out of love, responding faithfully to His call; let the incense of your fervent prayer rise up to Him, in praise of His glory; offer Him ... your affection of total gratitude to Him ...

"BE WORSHIPPERS OF THE ONLY TRUE GOD"

Be worshippers of the only true God, giving Him pride of place in your lives!

DO NOT YIELD

Do not yield to false illusions and passing fads, which so frequently leave behind a tragic spiritual vacuum. Reject the seduction of wealth, consumerism and the subtle violence sometimes used by the mass media.

JESUS, THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Worship Christ: He is the Rock on which to build your future and a world of greater justice solidarity. Jesus is the Prince of Peace: the source of forgiveness and reconciliation...

"COURAGEOUS CHOICES"

Listening to Christ and worshipping Him leads us to make courageous choices, to make what are sometimes heroic decisions.

"GENUINE WITNESSES"

The Church needs genuine witnesses for the new evangelization: men and women whose lives have been transformed by meeting with Jesus, men and women who are capable of communicating this experience to others.

"THE CHURCH NEEDS SAINTS"

The Church needs saints. All are called to holiness, and holy people alone can renew humanity. Many have gone before us along this path of Gospel heroism, and I urge you to turn often to them to pray for their intercession.

(Source: Message for 2005 World Youth Day, issued August 6, 2004.)