An invitation "not to let oneself be seduced by the false attractions of all that is ephemeral and fleeting" and "not to give in "to the temptations of selfishness and evil which kill the joy of living in one’s heart". These are the words uttered today by Benedict XVI in introducing the Angelus for the celebrations of the Our Lady of the Assumption, which he recited along with the pilgrims in the inner courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. The Pope made reference in particular to the Cologne WYD by inviting people to pray for the young and asking for the Virgin’s help. "The Day of the Assumption, which is so popular in tradition said he is for all believers a useful opportunity to meditate on the true meaning and the value of man’s life from the perspective of eternity". "Heaven is our final dwelling he specified -. From up there, the Virgin encourages us, through Her example, to welcome God’s will, not to let ourselves be seduced by the false attractions of all that is ephemeral and fleeting, not to give in to the temptations of selfishness and evil, which kill the joy of living in one’s heart". Addressing himself to the youth taking part in the WYD who will meet in Cologne today, he said: "May the Blessed Virgin make all those who join us follow the example of the Three Wise Men, to meet Christ that is present above all in the Holy Communion and then go back to their native cities and countries with a strong determination to bear witness to the news and the joy of the Gospel". The Pope ended by expressing His particular "spiritual sympathy with the beloved people of Cyprus, deeply affected by the air crush that caused the death of 121 people".
