“In a world of sorrow and anxiety, joy is an important witness to the beauty and reliability of the Christian faith”. Benedict XVI wrote this in his Message for the 27th World Youth Day to be celebrated on 1st April, Palm Sunday, on the theme “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Phil 4:4). “In these difficult times – the Pope observed in his Message (click here) -, so many young people all around you need to hear that the Christian message is a message of joy and hope!”. So he encouraged the young to be “missionaries of joy” because “we cannot be happy if others are not: joy has to be shared”. “Go and tell other young people about your joy at finding the precious treasure which is Jesus himself”. In the central part of his Message the Pope pointed out that “experiencing real joy also means recognizing the temptations that lead us away from it”. “Our present-day culture – Benedict XVI warned - often pressures us to seek immediate goals, achievements and pleasures. It fosters fickleness more than perseverance, hard work and fidelity to commitments. The messages it sends push a consumerist mentality and promise false happiness”. But “experience teaches us that possessions do not ensure happiness”. (continued)

27/03/2012 -