“Our motto is not ‘I don’t care’, but ‘I care'”! The Pope said this when he met the young people of Catholic Action in the Paul VI Hall. “Beware – Francis warns – the disease of indifference among young people is more dangerous than cancer”. In the Paul VI Hall, among the boys, there is also Rosy Bindi. “The Christian – says Bergoglio – is interested in social reality and makes his own contribution”. Bergoglio reminds young people that “human misery is not a fate that touches some unfortunate people, but almost always the fruit of injustices to be eradicated”. At the beginning of the speech, the Pope observes: “I tell you immediately that I greatly appreciate the fact that I care about the parish. It is important to me too! But I am from another generation. I was born and raised in a different social and ecclesial context, when the parish – with its parish priest – was a central point of reference for life of the people: Sunday Mass, catechesis, sacraments … The socio-cultural reality in which you live has changed a lot, we know; and for some time now – first in other countries, then also in Italy – the mission of The Church has been rethought, especially the parish, but in all this, one thing remains essential: for us, for me and for you, for our journey of faith and growth, the parish experience has been and is important. It is irreplaceable and the ‘normal’ environment where we have learned to to listen to the Gospel, to know the Lord Jesus, to offer a free service, to pray in community, to share projects and initiatives, to feel part of the holy people of God “.” So – Francis observes – dear young people, we are different generations, but we have in common the love for the Church and the passion for the parish, which is the Church in the midst of the houses, in the midst of the people. And on the basis of this passion I would like to share some points with you, trying to be in tune with your journey and your commitment. First of all, you want to contribute to making the Church grow in fraternity. Thank you! We are perfectly tuned to this. Yes, but how to do it? First of all, do not be frightened if – as you have noticed – in the communities you see that the community dimension is a bit weak. It is a very important thing, but do not be frightened, because it is a social fact, which has worsened with the pandemic. “Today, especially young people, they are extremely different compared to 50 years ago: there is no longer the desire to holding meetings, debates, assemblies … On the one hand, it is a good thing, even for you: Catholic Action must not be a Catholic ‘Session’ – he warns – and the Church does not go on with the meetings. on the other hand, individualism, seclusion in private or in small groups, the tendency to relate “at a distance” also infect Christian communities. If we verify this, we are all a little influenced by this culture. you too can do it by starting with a work on yourself “.
