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Greetings to all of you, participants of the Congress, but particularly to you, the young religious of our various religious families.

It has already been two months since you gathered together in Rome. In turn, we Superiors General are doing the same during these last days of November at our semi-annual Assembly. We dealt uniquely with the Congress and with its impact upon you and upon us. Indeed, the topic of our meeting was, "Looking to the future with the young religious: accepting the challenges, proposals and hopes."

Some of us were fortunate enough to participate in the Congress together with you. But all of us have followed its preparation and progress with keen interest. During our Assembly, we were able to benefit from direct information about this memorable week.

Seven young religious from among you told us of the experience you shared. Two speakers, two constellation moderators and one of the communications team related their personal impressions. In this way, we were able to join in the wonder, joy and enthusiasm of your experience.

We read with great interest your messages. We took note of your convictions: the tenderness of the Father, whose countenance is embodied in Jesus Christ, in the dynamism of the Spirit. We observed the evangelical attitudes that you took to heart: radicalness, authenticity, prophetic witness, contemplation, conversion, the gift of self for the Reign of God, preferential love of the poor and the excluded. The difficulties and obstacles which you have had to face have not escaped us.

We are not deaf to your appeals. On the contrary, we share your desire to be, as religious, true witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ. Like you, we want communities in which there is fraternal life, sharing, and spiritual communion. And we seek constantly for ways to give a preferential place among our commitments to the poor and the marginalized. In brief, we feel ourselves in harmony with your deepest aspirations because they spring from the Gospel. The obligation to put them in practice remains. This is the most difficult thing for you, and for us.

You are going in the right direction: we are at your side. Live for God and for the Reign of God. Let us walk together in faith, love and hope. Wherever you live, extend the dynamism and spirit of this Congress. What you have received from each other, sow and bring to harvest! The Congress will have value only if it bears fruit.

The Superiors General
Ariccia (Italy), 29 November 1997