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Venerable Antonia Meo
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VATICAN Benedict XVI addresses young members of Catholic Action Italy: " God became man to show us the way, indeed becoming a child, he became himself the 'way' also for you children"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Jesus is the way which leads to true life, life without end. It is a path which is often narrow and uphill but, if we let ourselves be drawn by Him, it is always wonderful like a mountain path: the high you are the better you see new views, broader and more beautiful." Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received a group of young people from Italian Catholic Action (ACI), for a traditional exchange of Christmas good wishes. He said he hoped that would always walk on the path of life with Jesus who said one day: "I am the way " (Jn 14,6). The Pope did not hide the "fatigue of the climb", but "the important thing is not to get lost, not to lose our way, otherwise we may end up in a ravine or lost in the woods!".

The Holy Father said to the children: "God became man to show us the way, indeed becoming a child, he became the 'way' himself, also for you children: he was like you, of your same age. Follow him with love keeping your hand in his every day. What I am telling you is also true for adults like me. I wish all Catholic Action Italy that they will be united and walk speedily along the path of Christ, to witness, in the Church and in society, that life is good; it demands effort, but it leads to true joy".

At the beginning of his address Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the 'shining example' of, Antonia Meo, whose heroic virtues he recognised with a decree three days ago. " Antonia, known as Nennolina, died of bone cancer in 1937 shortly before her seventh birthday. The Holy Father recalled how during her brief life she "showed special faith, hope and charity" and, presenting her as a model for the young people of ACI (of which she was a member), he affirmed that "her existence, so simple and yet so important, shows that sanctity is for all ages: for babies and for young people, for adults and for the elderly." "She travelled quickly," said the Pope, "down the 'highway' that leads to Jesus ... Who is, in fact, the true 'path' that leads to the Father, and to His and our definitive home which is heaven… Every time in our life can be the right one for deciding to love Jesus and follow him ".

( S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/12/2007; righe 25, parole 390)