The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, has recommended St Mark's Gospel to the youth of Dublin as a "rough guide" to life. In a letter to the young people of the diocese, in preparation for the Jubilee Year and World Youth Day event in Rome, which will run from August 14th to 21st, 2000, he said:
"I know that many of you will travel on this pilgrimage. Pilgrims of old carried a staff or a stick to help them on their journey, just as young people today use a Rough Guide . . . Today our Rough Guide is the Bible . . . I invite you over the coming year to discover the good news it contains."
Dr Connell pointed out that St Mark's Gospel was "short, easy to read and very challenging".
More than 1,000 Irish youths are expected to join an anticipated four million young people from all over the world with Pope John Paul in Rome for the World Youth Day event. At a special Mass for Dublin's youth in the Pro-Cathedral yesterday Dr Connell presented each person with a copy of St Mark's Gospel.
The Catholic Youth Council is currently taking bookings for the World Youth Day event. Details are available at (01) 8725055, or from the CYC website at www.cyc.ie
