How often we forget to dedicate ourselves to that which truly matters! We forget that we are children of God.

When I confess a couple who have kids, a married couple, I ask, 'how many children do you have?' Some get worried and think the priest will ask why I don't have more. I would make a second question, 'Do you play with your children?' The majority say, 'but father, I have no time. I work all day.'

Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!

We too need to protect, guide, and encourage our young people, helping them to build a society worthy of their great spiritual and cultural heritage. Specifically, we need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished, and protected. And we need to care for our young people, not allowing them to be robbed of hope and condemned to life on the streets.

If we live the faith in our daily life, then our work too becomes a chance to spread the joy of being a Christian.

The Cross of Christ bears the suffering and the sin of mankind, including our own. Jesus accepts all this with open arms, bearing on His shoulders our crosses and saying to us: 'Have courage! You do not carry your cross alone! I carry it with you. I have overcome death and I have come to give you hope, to give you life' (John 3:16).

There are people who are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father.