Received Island's Participants in World Youth Day
CASTEL GANDOLFO, AUGUST 18 (ZENIT.org).- Cuba's color and heat were evident this morning in the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, when John Paul II received a delegation of youths form the "Pearl of the Caribbean," who have come to the Eternal City with Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino of Havana and Bishop Carlos J. Baladron Valdes of Guantanamo-Baracoa to take part in World Youth Day.
Referring to the unforgettable days the more than 70 Cuban youths are experiencing, John Paul II said: "This is a privileged occasion of evangelization, ecclesial communion, and interior renewal through a personal encounter with Christ, together with very numerous youths from the whole world, pilgrims to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul."
"Today I wish to remind you of the words I addressed to you during my unforgettable trip to Cuba. Continue to set your sight on Jesus. He wants to offer you his friendship again; his eyes, full of tenderness, continue to look upon Cuban youth, living hope of the Church and Cuba. 'Do not be afraid to open your hearts to Christ.' Do not be closed to his love. Be his witnesses before other youths, making concrete commitments to spread the civilization of love in all realms: the family, ecclesial communities, and work. Therefore, I pray to the Lord, in this Jubilee Year, that the Spirit fill you with gifts and blessings. At the same time, before returning to your places of origin, I repeat the words with which you received me in Camagüey, so that you will make them your own: 'How lovely are the feet of the messenger who announces peace!'"
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