Pope: Like Mary, Take Risks to Build a Better World

by CNS · May 4, 2022

A young woman prays during a pro-life pilgrimage in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 23, 2020. In a video message released by Pope Francis’ Worldwide Prayer Network on May 3, 2022, the pontiff offered his prayer intention for the month of May, which he dedicated to young people. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

By Junno Arocho Esteves – Pope Francis encouraged young men and women to look to Mary as a model of courage in listening and fulfilling God’s will.

“She was courageous and determined to say ‘yes’ to the Lord. You young people, who want to build something new, a better world, follow her example, take risks,” the pope said.

In a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network May 3, the pope offered his prayer intention for the month of May, which he dedicated to young people. At the start of each month, the network posts a short video of the pope offering his specific prayer intention.

In his video message, the pope said Mary was the model “with whom young people can identify with” because of her “courage, the way she knew how to listen and her dedication to service.”

He also reminded young people that in order to follow Mary, they must discern what “Jesus wants from you, not what you might think you can do.”

For this reason, when discerning God’s will in their lives, young men and women can find help in listening “to the words of their grandparents,” the pope said.

“In those words of grandparents, you will find a wisdom that will take you beyond the issues of the moment. They will provide an overview of your concerns,” he said.

Concluding his prayer intention, Pope Francis called on Christians to pray “so that all young people, called to live life to the fullest, may discover in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage of faith, and dedication to service.”