ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAULL II
TO MEMBERS OF YOUTH CATHOLIC ACTION

Monday, 20 December 2004

Dear Children and Young People,

I am happy to welcome you once again at this enjoyable meeting close to Christmas. I greet you all with affection and through you I greet the children and young people of your Association whom you represent here. I greet Bishop Francesco Lambiasi, your General Chaplain, Dr Paola Bignardi, your National President, and the chaplains and educators who accompany you.

I learned with pleasure of your annual initiative that is intended to develop a formation process centred on the theme of "company". Carry out this project with enthusiasm and generosity! It is important that each one of you improves your knowledge of Jesus and develops your friendship with him. You can do this better in that "company" which is the Church, and which Christ desired would be a home and a school of communion and solidarity.

May Christmas, with its spiritual fascination, inspire in you the desire to become better acquainted with Jesus who comes into the world to save us.

I wish you happy and holy Christmas festivities. Take my good wishes back to your families, your friends and the whole of Catholic Action. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, I now cordially bless you all.