Unlike the lengthy final Synod document to be released shortly, the letter written to youth is precise and seeks to spark a flame.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told EWTN in an interview at the Vatican that the letter aims to speak directly to young people.
“In the end, the church has nothing to offer the world but Jesus Christ. But if young people discover Jesus Christ, they get everything. If we can present Christ afresh to young people, and bring some more of them close to Him, they’ll discover that that opens up their whole world, their whole horizon, and hopefully they will want to be saints with Him.” He said.
“I think many young people know in their heart of hearts the world sells them short.
Calling them to be heroes is calling them to be their best selves. They know deep down that it’s when aiming for big things and sacrificing yourself for big things that that’s when you’re really going to find happiness,” Archbishop Fisher said.
A video version of the letter has been produced, and it can be viewed here.
Here is the text of the letter released by the Vatican:
We the Synod Fathers now address you, young people of the world, with a word of hope, trust and consolation. In these days, we have gathered together to hear the voice of Jesus, “the eternally young Christ”, and to recognize in Him your many voices, your shouts of exultation, your cries, and your moments of silence.
We are familiar with your inner searching, the joys and hopes, the pain and anguish that make up your longings. Now we want you to hear a word from us: we wish to be sharers in your joy, so that your expectations may come to life. We are certain that with your enthusiasm for life, you will be ready to get involved so that your dreams may be realized and take shape in your history.
Our weaknesses should not deter you; our frailties and sins must not be an obstacle for your trust. The Church is your mother; she does not abandon you; she is ready to accompany you on new roads, on higher paths where the winds of the Spirit blow stronger – sweeping away the mists of indifference, superficiality and discouragement.
When the world that God so loved, that he gave us his only Son, Jesus, is focused on material things, on short-term successes, on pleasures, and when the world crushes the weakest, you must help it to rise up again and to turn its gaze towards love, beauty, truth and justice once more.
For a month, we have walked together with some of you and with many others who have been united to us through prayer and affection. We wish to continue the journey now in every part of the earth where the Lord Jesus sends us as missionary disciples.
The Church and the world urgently need your enthusiasm. Be sure to make the most fragile people, the poor and those wounded by life your traveling companions.
You are the present; be a brighter future.
