VIDEO MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO THE YOUTH OF THE DIOCESE OF BROWNSVILLE - TEXAS (USA)

[26 JULY 2016]

Dear Young People of the Diocese of Brownsville, gathered on the Feast Day of St Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. I know that you have gathered in Texas, very close to Mexico, very close to Latin America. I know that you have gathered in order to spiritually join the World Youth Day in Krakow.

I wish to be close to you. I wish to tell you to always look forward, to always look to the horizons, do not allow life to put barriers in front of you, always look to the horizon. Always have the courage to want more, more, more..., with courage but, at the same time, do not forget to look back, to the legacy that you have received from your forebears, from your grandparents, from your parents; to the legacy of faith, the faith that you now have in your hands in order to look forward.

I know that some of you might ask me: “Father, yes, you tell us to look to the horizon and to remember things, but today, what am I to do?”. Get in the game! Today accept life as it is and do good for others. In the world today a game is being played in which there is no room for second string, either play as a leader or you are out. Take the memory you have received, look to the horizon and, today, accept reality and carry it forward, make it bear fruit, render it fruitful. God calls you to be fruitful! God calls you to pass this life on. God calls you to create hope. God calls you to receive mercy and to give mercy. God calls you to be happy. Do not fear! Do not be afraid! Get in the game! This is how life is!

I wish you a beautiful encounter as young people joining in World Youth Day, joining the young people who are in Krakow. Have enthusiasm, move forward! May the Virgin protect you, may Jesus bless you, and please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.