Our interior gaze extends to the limitless horizons of our hopes and aspirations. And in the midst of all of life's contradictions, we search for life's true meaning.  We wonder and ask, Why? Why am I here? Why am I alive at all? What must I do? None of you is alone in posing these questions. Humanity as a whole feels the pressing need to give sense and purpose to a world which is increasingly complicated and difficult to be happy in.

You are at the great crossroads of your lives and you must decide how your future can be lived happily, accepting the responsibilities which you hope will be placed squarely on your shoulders, playing an active role in the world around you. You ask me for encouragement and guidance, and most willingly I offer some words of advice to all of you in the name of Jesus Christ. In the first place I say this: you must never think that you are alone in deciding your future! And second: when deciding your future, you must not decide for yourself alone!

The conviction which we must share and spread is that the call to holiness is directed to all Christians (Lumen Gentium, ch. 5). This is not a question of privilege or of spiritual elitism. It is not a matter of some persons feeling inclined to heroic daring. Still less is it a question of seeking a quiet refuge adapted to certain forms of piety or certain natural temperaments. It is a question of a grace offered to all the baptized, but in varying ways (cf. Eph 4: 7). Follow Christ! You who are young or old. Follow Christ! you who feel the need of a friend. Follow Christ!"