Young people are bringing "new hope" and "celebration" to the Catholic faith according to Cardinal Sean Brady. Speaking at his first major engagement with young people at a Youth 2000 Christmas retreat in Dublin at the weekend, which was attended by a large contingent from Northern Ireland, the newly elevated Cardinal spoke of the " joy and vitality the group are inspiring in young Catholics".
Established in the early 1990s, the group has over 40 prayer groups nationally involving 1,000 young adults.
In his homily, the Cardinal recalled a number of former members of the Youth 2000 he has met on his international travels stating that their effect is being known on an international scale.
"By this fruit you shall then be known," were his inspiring words to the several hundred young people who had travelled from various parts of Ireland and Britain to witness him celebrating Mass.
Emphasising the importance of the Christmas season, Cardinal Brady went on to praise the efforts of the young adults "who could be out shopping or otherwise preparing".
"It is wonderfully refreshing to find a group of young adults so joyfully preparing for the birth of Christ."
A lengthy standing ovation for the Cardinal and his kind words of the work of the group preceded a gift-giving ceremony of a Cavan Football jersey and a framed photograph of Lough Corrib in Co Galway by national leader Paul Rooney.
"Cardinal Brady's presence at our weekend is testament to his confidence and his longing to be part of the future of the church which lies in young people," he said.
The retreat was held at St Paul's Secondary School in Greenhills, Dublin and music for the weekend was provided by Ireland's most popular Christian rock band, Elation Ministries.
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