Saturday, July 27, 2013
In Rio, Pope Hears Confessions, Dialogues With Youth
On Friday morning the Pope Francis went to the park “Quinta da Boa Vista”, nineteen kilometres from the Sumare residence. The park previously belonged to the Society of Jesus, and is now a municipal park containing the Zoological Garden and National Museum, the first scientific institution in the country and considered to be the finest Museum of natural history and anthropology in Latin America. Throughout the park numerous confessionals have been installed to allow the sacrament of confession to be imparted to the young participants in World Youth Day. One was selected for the Pope to personally hear the confession of five young people in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Afterwards, he proceeded by car to the meet with the archbishop of Rio in his residence, a building constructed in 1918 as the official residence of the first cardinal archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Joaquim Arcoverde Cavalcanti de Albuquerque. The work of the architect Morales de los Rios, it is characterised by its eclectic style with architectural references to many historical monuments. During the military dictatorship, the then Cardinal Archbishop Eugenio Sales offered asylum to the regime's opponents within the Palace.
At 11.30 a.m. the Pope met briefly with eight young detainees, six boys and two girls, who gave the Pope a giant Rosary made of polystyrene. The Cross bore the words “Calendaria nunca mais” - “Calendaria: never again”, referring to the tragic event of 22 July 1993, when a group of armed men assassinated a group of children and young men at the door of the Church of the Calendaria in Rio de Janeiro. The names of the many young people killed on that day were written on the beads of the Rosary. The Pope prayed with the young people for all those who have died in violent circumstances and repeated the message “Violencia nunca mais! No more violence, only love!”
Immediately afterwards, the Pope moved on to the Chapel to greet the Religious of the Residence. From the central balcony of the Palace, the Pope prayed the Angelus with the faithful gathered in the square below and in the adjacent streets.
“I would be happy if my visit to this city were to renew, in each one of you, your love for Christ and his Church and your joy in being one with him, belonging to the Church and being committed to offering a living witness to the faith”, the Pope began.
He went on to explain the three moments in which the simple prayer of the Angelus prayer is recited, and emphasised that “it reminds us of a luminous event which transformed history: the Incarnation, the moment when the Son of God became man in Jesus of Nazareth”.
He spoke about Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary, and commented that Mary grew up in a home in which love for God was transmitted, expressed in the warmth and love of family life. “How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith!” he exclaimed, recalling that in many countries, as the Church celebrates Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents' day is also celebrated. “How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society! How important it is to have intergenerational exchanges and dialogue, especially within the context of the family”.
The Pope mentioned that the Aparecida Document states that children and the elderly build the future of peoples: “children because they lead history forward, the elderly because they transmit the experience and wisdom of their lives. This relationship and this dialogue between generations is a treasure to be preserved and strengthened!”.
After the Angelus, the Pope proceeded to the Salon Redondo on the first floor of the Palace to meet with Archbishop Tempesta and twelve young people of different nationalities, representing each continent. After lunch, the Holy Father returned to the Sumare residence to rest before the beginning of the Via Crucis.
At 11.30 a.m. the Pope met briefly with eight young detainees, six boys and two girls, who gave the Pope a giant Rosary made of polystyrene. The Cross bore the words “Calendaria nunca mais” - “Calendaria: never again”, referring to the tragic event of 22 July 1993, when a group of armed men assassinated a group of children and young men at the door of the Church of the Calendaria in Rio de Janeiro. The names of the many young people killed on that day were written on the beads of the Rosary. The Pope prayed with the young people for all those who have died in violent circumstances and repeated the message “Violencia nunca mais! No more violence, only love!”
Immediately afterwards, the Pope moved on to the Chapel to greet the Religious of the Residence. From the central balcony of the Palace, the Pope prayed the Angelus with the faithful gathered in the square below and in the adjacent streets.
“I would be happy if my visit to this city were to renew, in each one of you, your love for Christ and his Church and your joy in being one with him, belonging to the Church and being committed to offering a living witness to the faith”, the Pope began.
He went on to explain the three moments in which the simple prayer of the Angelus prayer is recited, and emphasised that “it reminds us of a luminous event which transformed history: the Incarnation, the moment when the Son of God became man in Jesus of Nazareth”.
He spoke about Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary, and commented that Mary grew up in a home in which love for God was transmitted, expressed in the warmth and love of family life. “How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith!” he exclaimed, recalling that in many countries, as the Church celebrates Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents' day is also celebrated. “How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society! How important it is to have intergenerational exchanges and dialogue, especially within the context of the family”.
The Pope mentioned that the Aparecida Document states that children and the elderly build the future of peoples: “children because they lead history forward, the elderly because they transmit the experience and wisdom of their lives. This relationship and this dialogue between generations is a treasure to be preserved and strengthened!”.
After the Angelus, the Pope proceeded to the Salon Redondo on the first floor of the Palace to meet with Archbishop Tempesta and twelve young people of different nationalities, representing each continent. After lunch, the Holy Father returned to the Sumare residence to rest before the beginning of the Via Crucis.
NJAPF Hosts Friedman Legacy Event On July 31
Americans for Prosperity Foundation-New Jersey is part of an international effort celebrating the life and legacy of Milton Friedman, the late Nobel Prize winner who is considered one of the 20th century’s leading economists.
Now, the 4th Annual Friedman Legacy Day Reception, sponsored by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, will take place at the Fiesta in Woodbridge from 12:00-2:00pm on Wednesday, July 31. The New Jersey event will be feature a keynote address by Cato Institute senior fellow Daniel J. Mitchell followed by a discussion about School Choice and Common Core educational standards.
Friedman’s theories on free markets and limited government dominated the economic and political discourse in the latter half of the 20th century. His opinions countered those of British economist John Maynard Keynes, who advocated for greater government spending as a way to prevent economic downtimes. Friedman also gained notoriety for his book “Capitalism and Freedom” and the PBS special “Free to Choose.”
“Whether it’s here in New Jersey, or places like Detroit or Greece, today we are witnessing the destructive impacts caused by an ever-growing, ever-encroaching government.” said Daryn Iwicki, deputy state director of AFP Foundation’s New Jersey chapter. “The road to prosperity is not paved by bureaucrats, central planners and big government. The road to prosperity begins by embracing economic freedom and the free-market ideas, works and theories championed by Dr. Friedman. Without saying, AFP Foundation is proud to host this event in his honor.”
AFPF’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception has featured some of the most prominent economic and public policy scholars in the country, including the Wall Street Journal’s Steve Moore and Mercatus Center’s Veronique de Rugy, and this year is no exception.
“Today, there is arguably no greater advocate for limited government and free markets than Dan Mitchell of the Cato Institute,” stated Iwicki. “Not only is Dan one of the brightest minds in the country when it comes to fiscal and tax policy, but he is terrific at making these topics fun, understandable and engaging. AFP Foundation is excited to have Dan on hand and could not think of anyone better to deliver the keynote at this year’s event.”
The Friedman Legacy Day Reception will also include a discussion of School Choice and Common Core, with presentations by Carolee Adams of the Eagle Forum and Rob Pettet, district director for Congressman Scott Garrett.
Dr. Friedman and his wife Rose were staunch advocates of School Choice and parental control in education. Today, the Friedman’s name appears frequently in matters related to School Choice, as the late Nobel laureate was father of the school voucher idea. As early as 1955, Friedman proposed vouchers as the best possible way to raise the quality of schooling in America. In New Jersey, Americans for Prosperity Foundation has also been an active participant in School Choice Week over the past several years.
For more information about AFP Foundation’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception, please contact Communications Director Mike Proto at 201-400-3666 or by e-mail at mproto@afphq.org. Media are invited to attend.
Now, the 4th Annual Friedman Legacy Day Reception, sponsored by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, will take place at the Fiesta in Woodbridge from 12:00-2:00pm on Wednesday, July 31. The New Jersey event will be feature a keynote address by Cato Institute senior fellow Daniel J. Mitchell followed by a discussion about School Choice and Common Core educational standards.
Friedman’s theories on free markets and limited government dominated the economic and political discourse in the latter half of the 20th century. His opinions countered those of British economist John Maynard Keynes, who advocated for greater government spending as a way to prevent economic downtimes. Friedman also gained notoriety for his book “Capitalism and Freedom” and the PBS special “Free to Choose.”
“Whether it’s here in New Jersey, or places like Detroit or Greece, today we are witnessing the destructive impacts caused by an ever-growing, ever-encroaching government.” said Daryn Iwicki, deputy state director of AFP Foundation’s New Jersey chapter. “The road to prosperity is not paved by bureaucrats, central planners and big government. The road to prosperity begins by embracing economic freedom and the free-market ideas, works and theories championed by Dr. Friedman. Without saying, AFP Foundation is proud to host this event in his honor.”
AFPF’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception has featured some of the most prominent economic and public policy scholars in the country, including the Wall Street Journal’s Steve Moore and Mercatus Center’s Veronique de Rugy, and this year is no exception.
“Today, there is arguably no greater advocate for limited government and free markets than Dan Mitchell of the Cato Institute,” stated Iwicki. “Not only is Dan one of the brightest minds in the country when it comes to fiscal and tax policy, but he is terrific at making these topics fun, understandable and engaging. AFP Foundation is excited to have Dan on hand and could not think of anyone better to deliver the keynote at this year’s event.”
The Friedman Legacy Day Reception will also include a discussion of School Choice and Common Core, with presentations by Carolee Adams of the Eagle Forum and Rob Pettet, district director for Congressman Scott Garrett.
Dr. Friedman and his wife Rose were staunch advocates of School Choice and parental control in education. Today, the Friedman’s name appears frequently in matters related to School Choice, as the late Nobel laureate was father of the school voucher idea. As early as 1955, Friedman proposed vouchers as the best possible way to raise the quality of schooling in America. In New Jersey, Americans for Prosperity Foundation has also been an active participant in School Choice Week over the past several years.
For more information about AFP Foundation’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception, please contact Communications Director Mike Proto at 201-400-3666 or by e-mail at mproto@afphq.org. Media are invited to attend.
SPY: The Secret World Of Espionage, Through October 6
Spies and spying are both very much in the news right now.
But then again, when have they not been?
In SPY: The Secret World of Espionage, at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute now through October 6 you will learn the importance of intelligence gathering and discover how real men and women can change the world every day—one secret at a time.
We attended this wide-ranging exhibit and we loved it.
This exhibit features rare treasures from the CIA, the FBI, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the immense private collection of intelligence historian H. Keith Melton.
Featuring over 200 historical artifacts and the stories they have to tell—including a collapsible motorbike, a two-man submersible, and a CIA robotic catfish—combined with firsthand spy experiences like personal disguises, voice alteration and navigating through a field of laser beams—find out what it's truly like to be a spy!
There has never been a shortage of intrigue in the world of spies, and the artifacts and interactive displays in the exhibit vividly tell their stories, past and present, through actual tools, technologies, and testimonials. Discover the real-life evolution of spy technology and experience life as a spy by navigating through an actual laser field, using voice altering technologies to conceal your voice, and creating your very own spy disguise.
There has never been a shortage of intrigue in the world of spies, and the artifacts and interactive displays in the exhibit vividly tell their stories, past and present, through actual tools, technologies, and testimonials. Discover the real-life evolution of spy technology and experience life as a spy by navigating through an actual laser field, using voice altering technologies to conceal your voice, and creating your very own spy disguise.
Above you can see some of the earliest spy devices, weapons and tools.
This is a fascinating display. Don't miss it!
Photos copyright 2013 by Dan Cirucci.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Video: Huge Crowds Greet Pope Francis In Rio
He attracts larger crowds than any rock star anywhere.
He pulls in bigger audiences than any national or world leaders anywhere.
More than a million are gathering in Argentina to see and hear Pope Francis.
Even with all the troubles that the Catholic Church has experienced in recent years, they still come.
In fact, attendance is larger than ever.
Despite the rainy weather, they braved the elements to greet Pope Francis in person. As he walked to the hospital, the Pope took some time to greet and bless the crowds.
Everywhere he goes, this Pope reaches out in love, in faith, in charity.
And he's clearly making a huge difference.
He's reinvigorating the Church and bringing joy to millions.
That's something no world leader or superstar can ever do.
They come to see, to experience, to pray, to worship, to celebrate the mass with the Pope.
They are there because, beyond all the temporal pleasures and entertainments of this world, they are thirsting for something more -- something deeper, more meaningful. And many are also there because they are hurt, wounded, damaged or confused. And they seek peace and solace and the road to recovery, dignity and some semblance of contentment.
And the Pope understands that.
He understands all of it.
He knows.
Here, the Pope visited a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, that helps recovering drug addicts. Upon arrival to the St. Francis of Assisi Hospital, where he inaugurated a new facility wing, large crowds welcomed him with songs and cheers.
They are there because, beyond all the temporal pleasures and entertainments of this world, they are thirsting for something more -- something deeper, more meaningful. And many are also there because they are hurt, wounded, damaged or confused. And they seek peace and solace and the road to recovery, dignity and some semblance of contentment.
And the Pope understands that.
He understands all of it.
He knows.
Here, the Pope visited a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, that helps recovering drug addicts. Upon arrival to the St. Francis of Assisi Hospital, where he inaugurated a new facility wing, large crowds welcomed him with songs and cheers.
Despite the rainy weather, they braved the elements to greet Pope Francis in person. As he walked to the hospital, the Pope took some time to greet and bless the crowds.
Everywhere he goes, this Pope reaches out in love, in faith, in charity.
And he's clearly making a huge difference.
He's reinvigorating the Church and bringing joy to millions.
That's something no world leader or superstar can ever do.
Viva il Papa!
Kean To Sweeney: Act Now On Important Legislation
New Jersey State Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. stated the following regarding today’s announcement of Monday morning’s Senate session, which is currently devoted to one open space agenda item.
“I’m glad that Senate Democrats have finally decided to show up to work in Trenton this summer,” said Kean (R-Union, Somerset, Morris). “But that’s only half the battle. I urge Senate President Sweeney to make this voting session mean more. Whenever we meet, we should be doing everything possible to address the people’s two top issues: taxes and jobs.”
Senator Kean renews his call from earlier this month for Senator Sweeney to post Republican legislation that addresses the people’s priorities: http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/with-end-to-sweeneys-bill-ban-kean-urges-swift-action-on-the-peoples-solutions/14354.
Since then, one of New Jersey’s top competitor states, North Carolina, has taken monumental action in the form of tax simplification and reduction that will draw more students, families, innovators and job creators from New Jersey: http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/senate-republicans-urge-democrats-to-finish-the-job-on-taxes-stop-exodus-to-nc/14414;http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/kean-oroho-urge-democrats-to-enact-tax-cut-reforms-lest-more-families-employers-flock-to-nc/14404.
“Perhaps the Senate President has struggled to get his caucus to show up, because they have heard the people’s resounding message: We do not need legislators in Trenton who protect the status quo of high taxes and a noncompetitive job climate,” Kean concluded. “Hopefully, their attendance on Monday means that they are ready to work on a bipartisan basis to pass real solutions to improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.”
Senator Kean reiterated some examples:
Ending sick-leave retirement jackpots via S808 or Sweeney’s own bill S1564, which he won’t post for a vote even though it has Republican support;
Passing civil service reforms, and cut other duplicative spending at the local level: (S1694, Doherty, with Sweeney signing on later, permits counties to share tax administrators);
Repealing taxes: New Jersey is one of two states with two forms of a “death tax,” while North Carolina is moving to immediately eliminate any form of an estate tax. Senator Steve Oroho’s S239, which is bipartisan legislation, would phase out New Jersey’s estate tax over five years. Senator Oroho’s S1996, also bipartisan legislation, would eliminate New Jersey’s inheritance tax and raise the threshold of the estate tax from $675,000 to match the federal level. With North Carolina ending their “death tax,” just 16 states have one.
Implementing real pay-to-play and ethics reforms to save taxpayers from funding excessively rich contracts and the costly actions of abusive public officials:
S601 (suspends public pensions of retired public employees who resume public employment with compensation greater than $15,000, in order to mitigate pension system burden and help ensure equal opportunity for new positions); and S1891 (With bipartisan support in the Assembly, mandates that insurance producers perform bona fide services in order to be paid public dollars; requires insurance producers disclose public contracts with the state and detail services provided).
S2068 (makes all local public officials accountable to state ethics laws); S1917 (levels the pay-to-play playing field); S590 (co-sponsored by Weinberg) full forfeiture of pension of elected or appointed official convicted of any crime touching office); S1333 (Requires forfeiture of public office, position or employment upon conviction of certain offenses); S597(no wheeling).
“I’m glad that Senate Democrats have finally decided to show up to work in Trenton this summer,” said Kean (R-Union, Somerset, Morris). “But that’s only half the battle. I urge Senate President Sweeney to make this voting session mean more. Whenever we meet, we should be doing everything possible to address the people’s two top issues: taxes and jobs.”
Senator Kean renews his call from earlier this month for Senator Sweeney to post Republican legislation that addresses the people’s priorities: http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/with-end-to-sweeneys-bill-ban-kean-urges-swift-action-on-the-peoples-solutions/14354.
Since then, one of New Jersey’s top competitor states, North Carolina, has taken monumental action in the form of tax simplification and reduction that will draw more students, families, innovators and job creators from New Jersey: http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/senate-republicans-urge-democrats-to-finish-the-job-on-taxes-stop-exodus-to-nc/14414;http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/tomkean/kean-oroho-urge-democrats-to-enact-tax-cut-reforms-lest-more-families-employers-flock-to-nc/14404.
“Perhaps the Senate President has struggled to get his caucus to show up, because they have heard the people’s resounding message: We do not need legislators in Trenton who protect the status quo of high taxes and a noncompetitive job climate,” Kean concluded. “Hopefully, their attendance on Monday means that they are ready to work on a bipartisan basis to pass real solutions to improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.”
Senator Kean reiterated some examples:
Ending sick-leave retirement jackpots via S808 or Sweeney’s own bill S1564, which he won’t post for a vote even though it has Republican support;
Passing civil service reforms, and cut other duplicative spending at the local level: (S1694, Doherty, with Sweeney signing on later, permits counties to share tax administrators);
Repealing taxes: New Jersey is one of two states with two forms of a “death tax,” while North Carolina is moving to immediately eliminate any form of an estate tax. Senator Steve Oroho’s S239, which is bipartisan legislation, would phase out New Jersey’s estate tax over five years. Senator Oroho’s S1996, also bipartisan legislation, would eliminate New Jersey’s inheritance tax and raise the threshold of the estate tax from $675,000 to match the federal level. With North Carolina ending their “death tax,” just 16 states have one.
Implementing real pay-to-play and ethics reforms to save taxpayers from funding excessively rich contracts and the costly actions of abusive public officials:
S601 (suspends public pensions of retired public employees who resume public employment with compensation greater than $15,000, in order to mitigate pension system burden and help ensure equal opportunity for new positions); and S1891 (With bipartisan support in the Assembly, mandates that insurance producers perform bona fide services in order to be paid public dollars; requires insurance producers disclose public contracts with the state and detail services provided).
S2068 (makes all local public officials accountable to state ethics laws); S1917 (levels the pay-to-play playing field); S590 (co-sponsored by Weinberg) full forfeiture of pension of elected or appointed official convicted of any crime touching office); S1333 (Requires forfeiture of public office, position or employment upon conviction of certain offenses); S597(no wheeling).
Video: Real Cory Booker Record - Take A Closer Look!
As they say in Texas: "All hat and no cattle."
The above video is paid for by American Commitment Action Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. acaction.org
Paul Fires Back At Christie On NSA Surveillance
So, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has vigorously defended NSA surveillance and criticized Kentucky Senator Ron Paul for his "new libertarian" approach.
And now, according to the Washington Times, Paul's spokesperson is answering in kind. Here's an excerpt:
And now, according to the Washington Times, Paul's spokesperson is answering in kind. Here's an excerpt:
A top aide to Mr. Paul immediately fired back, telling The Washington Times the senator’s opposition to government drone policies and surveillance programs are designed to “protect the freedoms that make America exceptional.”Click here to read more.
“If Gov. Christie believe the constitutional rights and the privacy of all Americans are ‘esoteric,’ he either needs a new dictionary or he needs to talk to more Americans, because a great number of them are concerned about the dramatic overreach of our government in recent times,” Paul senior advisor Doug Stafford said.
“Defending America and fighting terrorism is the concern of all Americans, especially Senator Paul,” Mr. Stafford, who is Mr. Paul’s closest adviser, said. “But it can and must be done in keeping with our Constitution and while protecting the freedoms that make America exceptional.”
Pope: Modern Society Marginalizes Elderly And Youth
More on the Pope in Rio, from The Vatican:
Yesterday Pope Francis added a new activity to the official programme; he visited the Cathedral of Rio to greet his Argentine compatriots, to whom offered an impromptu address. The Holy Father thanked the young people who had come to greet him and spoke to them colloquially. “I want the Church to go out into the streets, I want us to defend ourselves against all worldliness, opposition to progress, from that which is comfortable, from that which is clericalism, from all that which means being closed up in ourselves. Parishes, schools, institutions are made in order to come out … if they do not do this, they become a non-governmental organisation, and the Church must not be an NGO”.
“I think that, at this time, this global civilisation has gone beyond its limits; it has gone beyond its limits because it has created such a cult of money, that we are in the presence of a philosophy and a practice of exclusion of the two poles of life which are the promises of the populace. The exclusion of the elderly, obviously. One might think that there exists a sort of hidden euthanasia; or rather, that we do not take care of the elderly. But there is also a cultural euthanasia, because we do not allow them to speak, we do not allow them to act. And then there is the exclusion of the young. The percentage of young unemployed is very high, and we have a generation without experience of the dignity one earns through work. This civilisation, that, is, which has led us to exclude the two peaks that form our future”.
The Pope encouraged the young to rise, to make themselves recognised, to fight for their values, and urged the elderly to speak, to teach us and to transmit their wisdom. “In the Argentine people, I ask the elderly with all my heart: do not disappoint in your role as the cultural reserve of our people, a reserve that transmits justice, that transmits history, the transmits values, that transmits the memory of the people. And you”, he said, addressing the young, “please, do not oppose yourself to the elderly: let them speak, listen to them and proceed. But know that in this moment you, the young, and the elderly, you are condemned to the same fate: exclusion. Do not allow yourselves to be excluded. Is this clear? It is for this, I think, that you must strive”.
Francis emphasised that faith is not a joke, but is rather a very serious matter. “It is a scandal that God made Himself one of us. It is a scandal that he died on a cross. It is a scandal: the scandal of the Cross. But it is the only sure path: that of the Cross, the path of Jesus, that of the incarnation of Jesus. Please, do not 'liquidise' your faith in Jesus Christ. We liquidise oranges, apples, bananas, but please – do not drink liquidised faith. Faith is whole, it cannot be liquidised or reduced. It is faith in Jesus. It is faith in the Son of God made man, who loved me and died for me. So, make a fuss! Take care of the extremes of the population, the elderly and the young! Do not let yourselves be excluded, and do not exclude the elderly. And secondly: do not liquidise your faith in Jesus Christ”.
Yesterday Pope Francis added a new activity to the official programme; he visited the Cathedral of Rio to greet his Argentine compatriots, to whom offered an impromptu address. The Holy Father thanked the young people who had come to greet him and spoke to them colloquially. “I want the Church to go out into the streets, I want us to defend ourselves against all worldliness, opposition to progress, from that which is comfortable, from that which is clericalism, from all that which means being closed up in ourselves. Parishes, schools, institutions are made in order to come out … if they do not do this, they become a non-governmental organisation, and the Church must not be an NGO”.
“I think that, at this time, this global civilisation has gone beyond its limits; it has gone beyond its limits because it has created such a cult of money, that we are in the presence of a philosophy and a practice of exclusion of the two poles of life which are the promises of the populace. The exclusion of the elderly, obviously. One might think that there exists a sort of hidden euthanasia; or rather, that we do not take care of the elderly. But there is also a cultural euthanasia, because we do not allow them to speak, we do not allow them to act. And then there is the exclusion of the young. The percentage of young unemployed is very high, and we have a generation without experience of the dignity one earns through work. This civilisation, that, is, which has led us to exclude the two peaks that form our future”.
The Pope encouraged the young to rise, to make themselves recognised, to fight for their values, and urged the elderly to speak, to teach us and to transmit their wisdom. “In the Argentine people, I ask the elderly with all my heart: do not disappoint in your role as the cultural reserve of our people, a reserve that transmits justice, that transmits history, the transmits values, that transmits the memory of the people. And you”, he said, addressing the young, “please, do not oppose yourself to the elderly: let them speak, listen to them and proceed. But know that in this moment you, the young, and the elderly, you are condemned to the same fate: exclusion. Do not allow yourselves to be excluded. Is this clear? It is for this, I think, that you must strive”.
Francis emphasised that faith is not a joke, but is rather a very serious matter. “It is a scandal that God made Himself one of us. It is a scandal that he died on a cross. It is a scandal: the scandal of the Cross. But it is the only sure path: that of the Cross, the path of Jesus, that of the incarnation of Jesus. Please, do not 'liquidise' your faith in Jesus Christ. We liquidise oranges, apples, bananas, but please – do not drink liquidised faith. Faith is whole, it cannot be liquidised or reduced. It is faith in Jesus. It is faith in the Son of God made man, who loved me and died for me. So, make a fuss! Take care of the extremes of the population, the elderly and the young! Do not let yourselves be excluded, and do not exclude the elderly. And secondly: do not liquidise your faith in Jesus Christ”.
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