This is a big step for us, moving the festival to a greenfield site–we are hoping that all the pieces fall into place, but we know there will probably be surprises. Hopefully mostly good surprises.

The theme is ‘The Almighty has Done Great Things for Me’. Reflecting on these words, he certainly has done so in my life. Please pray that the young people who come to this festival will take hold of the great things that our God wants to offer them.

There is a need for young people who will allow God’s love to burn within them and who will respond  generously to his urgent call, just as many young blesseds and saints did in the past and also in more recent times. In particular, I assure you that the Spirit of Jesus today is inviting you young people to be bearers of the good news of Jesus to your contemporaries. The difficulty that adults undoubtedly find in approaching the sphere of youth in a comprehensible and convincing way could be a sign with which the Spirit is urging you young people to take this task upon yourselves. You know the ideals, the language, and also the wounds, the expectations, and at the same time the desire for goodness felt by your contemporaries. This opens up the vast world of young people’s emotions, work, education, expectations, and suffering … Each one of you must have the courage to promise the Holy Spirit that you will bring one young person to Jesus Christ in the way you consider best, knowing how to “give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but [to] do it with gentleness and reverence” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

It is fascinating to listen to the contrast in the way that Catholics describe their faith, versus the way the other Christians do.  Once again, I am made jealous of the other Christians.  Why do all our efforts not produce that kind of changed life?

Have a listen here, and see what I mean.  (It starts with the news and some music, so wait for it, or move the button to 5:30.)