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August 2011

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World Youth Day: Celebrating Young Faith

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By Edited by Christopher Heffron

IN AUGUST OF 2010, Pope Benedict XVI gave this hope-filled message to young Catholics about their participation in World Youth Day (WYD) in Madrid on August 16-21, 2011.

“The Church depends on you! She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope. Your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the Church. That is why World Youth Days are a grace, not only for you, but for the entire People of God.”

The following young Catholics are bringing that energy to 2011’s World Youth Day.

St. Anthony Messenger wanted to know what these young people did to prepare for the trip, what they hope to gain from it and how their faith will be deepened by their journey.

These are their stories.

Christopher Heffron is the assistant editor of this publication. He wishes to express his gratitude to Mike Meyer, coordinator of youth and young adult ministry at St. Denis Parish in Versailles, Ohio, who helped to facilitate these reflections, as well as the young Catholics who participated in this article.

Thank you for your comments. Editors will review all posts before they are visible on the website.

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John I: Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.
<p>When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West. </p><p>When John returned to Rome, he found that the emperor had begun to suspect his friendship with his eastern rival. </p><p>On his way home, John was imprisoned when he reached Ravenna because the emperor suspected a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he had received.</p>

You should lead by your example in family, among friends and neighbors, and with colleagues and coworkers or fellow students. Your examples should include putting community above self, placing respect for the dignity of others ahead of self-gratification, and demonstrating love above all.

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