The following is the message the Pope sent yesterday to the young people of the diocese of Brownsville in Texas, U.S.A., gathered in the St. Anne parish to join spiritually with their peers attending the 31st World Youth Day in Krakow:

“Dear young people of the diocese of Brownsville, gathered on the feast day of St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. I know that you are gathered in Texas, very close to Mexico, very close to Latin America. And I know that you are gathered to come together spiritually with World Youth Day in Krakow. I want to be close to you. I want to tell you always to look forward and always look towards the horizon: do not let life put walls in front of you, always look at the horizon. Always have courage to want more, more, more – but, at the same time, do not forget to look back to the heritage you have received from your ancestors, from your grandparents, from your parents; to the legacy of faith that you now have in your hands, as you look forward.

I know that some of you will ask me: ‘Father, yes, you tell us to look at the horizon and to remember things, but today, what do I do?’ Live your life to the full! Today, take life as it comes and do good to others. In the world today, a game is being played out in which there is no room for substitutes: either you are in the team or you are out. Take the memories you have inherited, look towards the horizon and today, grasp life and carry it forward, use it productively, make it fruitful. God calls you to be fruitful! God calls you to transmit this life to others. God calls you to create hope. God calls you to receive mercy and show mercy to others. God calls you to be happy. Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid. Play life to the full! That is life.

“I wish you a good meeting with the young people linked with World Youth Day, united with the young people who are in Krakow. Live with enthusiasm and go forward! May the Virgin Mary take great care of you and may Jesus bless you. And please do not forget to pray for me. Thank you”.