Hundreds of thousands of young people gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to participate in the welcoming Mass for the Jubilee of Youth. Bishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, reflected on the passage from the Gospel of John, highlighting Martha’s vigilant attitude and readiness to run towards Jesus.
Bishop Fisichella emphasized that “faith is a choice of freedom,” a freedom that allows us to follow the Lord and renounce worldly attachments. He noted that true freedom is found in making sacrifices and following Jesus’ teachings. The bishop encouraged the young people to respect God’s freedom and to trust in His love, assuring them that “the Lord will not let you down.”
The bishop also emphasized that faith is not just a theoretical concept, but a concrete witness of life. He encouraged the young people to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and be present to those in need. In a world marked by violence, Bishop Fisichella called on the young people to reveal the certainty of hope and love, and to build peace in the world.
The Jubilee of Youth, which began on 28 July and will run until August 3rd, aims to bring young people together in prayer, spirituality, and community. Bishop Fisichella’s message of hope and freedom resonated with the young people, encouraging them to live their faith with conviction and to trust in God’s love.