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WYD: Archbishop says young people are searching for a deeper reality in their lives


Archbishop Jean Claude Hollerich

Archbishop Jean Claude Hollerich

"The violent world of today needs a lot of mercy," said Jean Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg during the WYD press conference, this morning.

Archbishop Hollerich also mentioned that it is not true that young people are not searching for a deeper reality in their lives. Many of them cooperate with NGOs and Charity Organizations. They like to do it when they see happiness in those who are receiving their help, they are curious about it. He gave a recent example of a group of 140 youth building a school and church together with their bishop. He also said that when no one loves you, God still does. "I am Archbishop of a very secular diocese. When I walk through the streets, I see people carrying very heavy shopping bags; they are fascinated with material things, but they don't seem happy" - said Hollerich.

The medicine for young people searching something deep in their lives is to experience the Divine Mercy. They can do it especially in a reconciliation zone in the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki, said Sr. Gaudia Skass ZMBM from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy from Poland. The Congregation, in charge of the sanctuary, was inspired by Sr. Faustina Kowalska. According to sister Gaudia, Confession is a sacrament where Jesus performs the greatest miracles; people become merciful like Him.

On occasion of the WYD, the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy has prepared a mosaic made from photos of people from all over the world that represents the image of the Merciful Jesus. The project is called "Let's make a picture". Sister Gaudia added that "The most interesting aspect is that we have even received pictures of unborn children from their mothers wombs. We think that it is a great message of mercy."

Vicky Thorn from the USA, Rachel Project's founder, explained that there are more than 50 million abortions a year around the world. Rachel Project is a response of the Church to the post-abortion syndrome. The Rachel foundation is helping mothers and fathers in a post-abortion healing process. The Catholic Church is the only church in the world who has this kind of ministry, said Thorn, adding that "no woman can forget an abortion". Trained confessors and advisors of the Project are giving hope to all hurt persons. For Thorn, post-abortion healing ministry needs anonymity, has a strong spiritual dimension and includes a psycho-therapeutic component. She mentioned that in 1994 Saint Pope John Paul II told her about the importance of this work. "We are ambassadors of mercy when we are talking to those people about healing from the scars of abortion" - said Thorn.

The press conference included the participation of Jan Mela, Ambassador of WYD 2016 and 27 year-old founder of "Beyond Horizon" NGO. Jan Mela walks on a prosthetic leg. In 2004, together with Marek Kamiński, he reached both the North and South Pole, and currently works helping handicapped persons.

"Even if words are very important, actions mean more. We need people who are able to do something and not only complain", said Mela. In his own words, the Cross is a part of life, although people try to avoid it, without success, which makes it difficult to understand. Jan is a testimony of how not to give up: "I have lost a lot of things in my life: my brother drowned before my eyes, I've lost my home at the age of 8. In an accident, I lost my hand and leg. But when you lose something, God always gives you something else instead."

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