Nearly 1,000 high school students went “Back to the Source” (“Ad Fontem”) at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg,
Md., during the Mount2000 retreat Feb. 8-10. The students were accompanied by
151 seminarians and many consecrated religious throughout the weekend.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the concluding Mass Feb.
10.
In his homily, he thanked the youths for the gift they are to the
parishes, dioceses and church. He spoke of Pope John Paul II’s enthusiasm for
young people.
“So often when St. John Paul II would gather with young people,
he would use the words from the Gospel just proclaimed and say so sincerely:
‘My dear young friends: Do not be afraid. Do not settle for mediocrity. Put out
to the deep and let down your nets for a catch,’” he said. “He consistently
encouraged young people to let go of fear and to trust in God.”
Bishop Burbidge invited the youths to not settle for mediocrity,
but to put out into the deep, through faith, hope and charity.
“As you leave this retreat today, I ask you to reflect upon what
is it that the Lord is asking you to let go of in your life at this very moment
— a harmful pattern of living, a substance, a relationship, a grudge or
something else? Let go. Put out into the deep and allow God to take you to
greater levels,” said Bishop Burbidge. “In time of need or disappointment, what
thing or worldly idol do I turn to find an escape or some sort of temporary
strength? Next time, put out into the deep and promise the first place you will
turn is to the Lord.”
He told the youths there are opportunities to show their love for
God by the compassion and care they extend to others. “Just as Peter was
surprised by the catch of fish, you will be amazed by how God will miraculously
use your kind words, generous deeds, service and goodness,” he said. “As you
return home ask: Who at this moment needs my charity and attention the most?”
Father Michael C. Isenberg, diocesan vocations director, said for
more than 20 years, the retreat has been an occasion for high school students
to slow down and step away from the noise of the world with one purpose — to
encounter Jesus.
“During the closing Mass on Sunday morning, you could feel the
energy and enthusiasm that these young people had during the weekend,” he said.
“Without a doubt, the retreat had fulfilled its purpose, to bring these people
back to the source of our life and our faith, Jesus himself.”
