Broglio encourages young people to repent, reconcile and extend mercy at Eucharistic congress

INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) -- At the Mass for youth at the National Eucharistic Congress July 19, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke to young people about the importance of acknowledging sins and repenting for them.

"We recognize our failings and reach out for the reconciliation that is held out to us. Then we are able to bring what we have received serenely into our broken world," he said on the third day of the congress, which had "Into Gethsemane" as the day's theme. "It may seem a daunting mission, but every mission begins with our willingness to accept it and then drawing on the grace to move forward."

With thousands of young people in attendance at what was one of the three morning liturgies that day, Archbishop Broglio preached a message of union and communion, referencing the many troubles in the nation and in the world.

"In the military, every mission depends on the participation of the whole unit. No one is superfluous. In the body of Christ, there are no spare parts. Each one of us is essential and contributes with his or her talents," he said. "We have thus witnessed where disagreements, strife, and political tension can lead. Certainly, the man who took aim at former President Trump was not well. But if there were more helpful conversations, less polarization, and even more willingness to see in the other the image and likeness of God, would we not reduce tensions and move forward together?"

Archbishop Broglio also spoke of the "responsibility to be instruments of the truth," which he said is "fundamental to any process of reconciliation."

"We must reject a view of our actions which denies or redefines the reality of sin so rampant in today's culture," he said. "Instead of acknowledging our sins, we excuse our actions and place the blame for our missteps on other people or causes, thereby legitimizing what God calls sin as new and valid lifestyles."

"As we go forth from these days of prayer, celebration, and learning, may we also be renewed in vision and affirmed in our baptismal responsibility for our sisters and brothers," he said. "The experience of forgiveness and reconciliation cannot fail to awaken our desire to fulfill our role in making the Lord's mercy known to all of the nations."