Young People Need God, Not Just Guidance!” Pope Francis Emphasizes in Vatican Address
“The young people do not need us, they need God!”
Pope Francis delivered a powerful message to the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph, urging that young people need God more than they need us. Speaking during the XVIII General Chapter, the Pope highlighted the deep spiritual roots shared with the congregation, founded by St. Joseph Marello in 1878, and stressed the importance of rekindling the gift of God within them. Reflecting on the theme from 2 Timothy 1:6, he called for gratitude and responsibility, inspired by St. Joseph, to guide their mission as “apostles of the youth.”
“Young people do not need us; they need God! The more we live in His presence, the more we are capable of helping them encounter Him.”
In a compelling reflection, Pope Francis emphasized that true faith and religious consecration must be rooted in a daily relationship with Jesus, much like St. Joseph’s life with the Holy Family. He encouraged the congregation to maintain a life of prayer and closeness to God, stressing that this spiritual grounding will significantly enhance their apostolate, particularly in guiding the youth. The Pope’s words serve as a reminder that in an increasingly secular world, it is only through a deep connection with God that lasting impact can be made on the younger generation.
