Letter to the “Pastor of the universal Church”

Dear Holy Father,

I am just an unknown parishioner in a remote country of Asia, far away from you, not only geographically but also culturally, socially, and in lifestyle. It has been a while that I would like to write you, just to express my sentiment and to share my thoughts with you, knowing well that you are very busy with many things and perhaps this letter may never get to you or be read by you... However, I would like to write to you this time because I have a strong feeling that whatever comes out from my heart would be well accepted by you. (“signaling” yours- Fr. It’s not clear for me).

Papa,

I have known you for only one hundred and forty days. It is a short period of time in the existence of the whole universe. However, this little time has drawn me to you and I feel you are very close to me, like a grandpa, a papa at my side. Every morning, through the news, I follow your steps wherever you go and listen to what you speak, with my heart rejoicing with and mulling over your words. And you know what? This is a top secret, “Each word and action of yours are being listened and watched by me!”

I have come to appreciate modern technology because it helps me to almost immediately be aware of all the things you do around the world, of your words and your thoughts as well. Then I can reflect on them and change my life just as you accompany me in my daily life.

Beloved Papa,

It has only been for four months, yet, there were so many things I have learned from you.

 Your experience of God’s word and the thoughts you have shared are like a stream running to my heart, making it throbbing and aching…. Only by the fact that you carried your own suitcase to Rio De Janeiro makes me reflect on what I can do to change and rearrange my way of living..

 When meeting people, you always asked them to pray for you because you are also “a poor sinner.”  Your humility generated a throb in my heart. Your attitude is a source of strength for me to open up my stained heart and be ready to renew it. In the way I do my small work of service and in my relationships with others. All my thoughts, actions and habits are being challenged by your presence and witness.

Your words to the youth, “come so that the flame of enthusiasm of our faith be strengthened”, renewed all different views about things and beliefs that are rooted in me ... I came to discover the beauty of the “communion in the Church.” I found myself in all and as part of the Church and with all other faithful ( and non- believers) as well. In case you want it to include Father.

All things in my life seemed to be more clear and simple ... It is like a new age, an era full of grace of the Holy Spirit. The moment is opening itself and goodness is arising beautifully.

 Following your words, Holy Father, my Christian life is transformed and well strengthened. Through the news on internet, I know that many people’s lives changed and renewed. In God’s grace, you were the catalyst that helped us to live a new life.. A good example  was your first trip to Brazil. All participants of the World Youth Day’13 expressed being filled with love and enthusiasm.

Papa,

Even though I was not able to be at the place of the World Youth Day’13, emotions rose up in me when I saw what was happening through the small screen. How holy and wonderful the atmosphere was!

Today, we, the youth are repulsed by falsehood and insignificance. The witness of Felipe Passos to whom an accident happened- a sad story stunned three million of people, pierced my heart. The witness was so ordinary but also extraordinary.

Indeed, if each of us do not hold our cross in our hands and believe totally in God when challenges come, our life would be so precarious. Felipe was saved by his strong faith in God.

The question he posed to other young people was also the question I was posing to myself: What is the cross that God gives me? What is the cross that God wants me to carry for His love? Felipe made the moment unfading at the vigil night on the Copacabana Beach.

“Courageously go against the current!” “Clothe yourselves with Jesus Christ!” “Believe in Christ!” “Make Christ the center of your lives!” These are the words of encouragement and motto for action that you gave us who are the children of light.

 

Dear Father,

You have fanned the flame of faith in us. You have shined on us as the Light and stirred the hope and faith in us. We are so grateful.

We hope that the Light and Faith you enflamed in us will never fade ! The memory of the World Youth Day will be forever remembered for what comes from God is eternal.

With you, we are not afraid to go out into the world to proclaim the God News, leaving our fears, our doubts, and our selfishness behind ... because (all of them were taken away by the waves at Copacabana!).

Please pray for us and bless us all, the youth of to day.

Mai Cát Ân

From Vietnam