“How many people – the Pontiff explained - are surrounded by material possessions yet their lives are filled with despair, sadness and emptiness! To have lasting joy we need to live in love and truth. We need to live in God”. Quoting Pier Giorgio Frassati and Chiara Badano, Benedict XVI recalled that their “testimonies” show us that “authentic Christians are never despairing or sad, not even when faced with difficult trials” and that “Christian joy is not a flight from reality, but a supernatural power that helps us to deal with the challenges of daily life”. “Christianity – the Pope remarked - is sometimes depicted as a way of life that stifles our freedom and goes against our desires for happiness and joy”. But “this is far from the truth”: “Christians are men and women who are truly happy because they know that they are not alone. They know that God is always holding them in his hands”. Hence an appeal to young people: “It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring. If the way Christians live at times appears dull and boring, you should be the first to show the joyful and happy side of faith”. Then Benedict XVI’s final exhortation: “Be enthusiastic witnesses of the new evangelization!”.

27/03/2012 -