December 17th 2019 the prelate visited Strathmore School for a get-together with young men. He began by reminding the standing-space crowd that December 17th was indeed a joyful day, since it was the Pope’s birthday, and that we should all pray very much for him. And especially these days are joyful because they lead up to Christmas, to the birth of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Alaine, an ardent soccer player, asked how to help his friends fight against the enslavement of the social media. The Father’s advice was that each person should have a very clear goal for their lives, what one really wants to achieve in life. And “the greatest goal we can have is to look for Christ, to fulfill his will, and to do so we need to form ourselves very well, knowing we are called by God.”
Andrew, a university student, asked about the unrest that can arise in trying to discern one’s vocation. He was advised “to go to Jesus, to go to the tabernacle.” And not to fear or be anxious that our Lord will demand something that is too difficult. “Rather what God wants will make me happy, which is what God wants for everyone, that we be happy. ‘That my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full’ (Jn 15:11).”
In response to a question about the struggle for purity, the Father advised him to pray “especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary, without getting discouraged because of our falls.” He made the analogy that even physically when we fall to the ground we don’t stay down. So too in the spiritual life. And it is this sporting spirit combined with being prudent that will help us in this struggle. He gave the example of someone facing temptations from the mobile phone at night, who makes the decision to leave it outside the room. “Ask for advice from a friend, someone who has more experience, a priest, so that your effort will be more effective.” He then shared Saint Josemaria’s advice to pray three Hail Mary’s before going to bed every night, and to begin again in this struggle like a true sportsman.
Towards the end of the get-together a choir sang a moving rendition of Sauti Sol’s “Baba Yangu” — a song of thanks to one’s father.
And with that, it was already time to finish. He reminded everyone to pray a lot for the Holy Father and then gave his fatherly blessing.…..read more
