Fr. Kevin Bettens
March 22, 2017

On Tuesday Pope Francis released a video message to youth in advance of the next World Youth Day, to be held in Panama in 2019.  He said that like the Virgin Mary, they are needed, and they should not be afraid to leave their mark on the world.
 
“Like the young woman of Nazareth, you can improve the world and leave an imprint that makes a mark on history, your history and that of many others!"

The message, encourages young people to cultivate a strong friendship with Our Lady, saying they “will not regret it.”
 
“Speak to her as you would to a Mother. Together with her, give thanks for the precious gift of faith that you have received from your elders, and entrust your whole life to her. She is a good Mother who listens to you and embraces you, who loves you and walks together with you."

“Many people think that young people are distracted and superficial,” Francis explained. “They are wrong! Still, we should acknowledge our need to reflect on our lives and direct them towards the future.”
 
“When God touches the heart of a young man or woman, they become capable of doing tremendous things.”