(from our correspondents in Sydney) – "God’s Word does not return to Him without having borne its fruit, ‘without having fulfilled its mission’. This promise, made by the prophet Isaiah, fills us with hope at the beginning of World Youth Day in this beautiful Australian land", said Card. Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris and President of the French Bishops’ Conference, during the homily of the Mass which was celebrated in St. Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra. He said that WYD "is yet another invitation to discover God’s generosity. This week you will hear many messages and not just God’s Word, catecheses or the Holy Father’s message, but also the word which is expressed by this specific event in which the Church is gathered in faith, hope and joy. Just like in the parable: in these days too Christ, the Sower, goes out to sow in abundance without considering the quality of the soil where the seeds will fall". The WYD experience, the Cardinal finally said, "might pass by without leaving any trace in us or it might initially fill us with enthusiasm which will later fade away or it might even be choked by worldly concerns and seductions. Blessed shall be those, amongst you, who will let themselves be touched by the Word he sows within you!"
