During this month of May, Pope Francis begins a cycle of three prayer intentions dedicated to the family. He begins by speaking to young people, who “want to build something new.” He offers them an example to follow: “When I think of a model with whom young people can identify with, our Mother, Mary, always comes to mind.” Pope Francis asks young people to take risks like she did, keeping in mind that they “need to discern and discover what Jesus wants” from them.
He advises: “it’s a great help to listen to the words of grandparents.” And he proposes three companions for their life journey: courage, knowing how to listen, and dedication to service.
The full video text follows:
“Speaking about the family, I would like to begin by addressing the young people first.
When I think of a model with whom young people can identify with, our Mother, Mary, always comes to mind: her courage, the way she knew how to listen, and her dedication to service.
She was courageous and determined to say “yes” to the Lord.
You young people, who want to build something new, a better world, follow her example, take risks!
Don’t forget that in order to follow Mary you need to discern and discover what Jesus wants from you, not what you might think you can do.
And in this discernment, it’s a great help to listen to the words of grandparents.
In those words of grandparents, you will find a wisdom that will take you beyond the issues of the moment.
They will provide an overview of your concerns.
Let us pray, brothers and sisters, so that all young people, called to live life to the fullest, may discover in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage of faith, and dedication to service.”