Letter to the Editor: World Youth Day offers religious advice for new year

As you return to classes or come to them for the first time, I thought of sharing with you a special message that 2 million young people, from 193 countries, received in Madrid this August from Benedict XVI. The traditional media was not interested in sharing it with you. Neither will you find it in today's culture or most likely in your classes. However, it is an important and relevant message.

John Paul II started the World Youth Days, held around the globe, to meet with young people, the future of the world. He wanted to help them discover solid foundations on which to construct their lives. You may see very cool footage of this year's event by searching "World Youth Day 2011" on YouTube.

Three clear messages came out from Pope Benedict's words.

First, the challenge of seeking truth in our lives. "Many people have no stable points of reference on which to build their lives, and so they end up deeply insecure. There is a growing mentality of relativism, which holds that everything is equally valid, that truth and absolute points of reference do not exist. But this way of thinking does not lead to true freedom, but rather to instability, confusion, and blind conformity to the fads of the moment."

Second, the importance of believing in God in our lives. "The discovery of the living God inspires young people and opens their eyes to the challenges of the world in which they live, with its possibilities and limitations. They see the prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of secularity, the lack of solidarity, the corruption. They know that, without God, it would be hard to confront these challenges and to be truly happy, and thus pouring out their enthusiasm in the attainment of an authentic life. But, with God beside them, they will possess light to walk by and reasons to hope, unrestrained before their highest ideals, which will motivate their generous commitment to build a society where human dignity and true brotherhood are respected."

Finally, the discovery of the real historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived in the Middle East 2,000 years ago, cured the sick, preached the Kingdom of God, was killed by the Romans, rose from the dead by his own power and appeared to many. The Pope wrote: "I thought of sharing something of my own personal encounter with Jesus, by writing a book. It was a way to help others see, hear and touch the Lord in whom God came

to us in order to make himself known."

If you like, you may find all the 2011 World Youth Day speeches at the Vatican's website ("vatican.va"), World Youth Day Madrid 2011. Wishing you all a good academic year 2011 – 2012!

— Peter Anglada, Kellogg alum