Finding Life's Purpose: Inspiration for Young People

by Pope Benedict XVI

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Originally Joseph Ratzinger , a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.

After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.

Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.

Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.

Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.

Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.

(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently picked up this volume and also 'Don't be afraid to be Saints: Words from John Paul II and Benedict XVI, World Youth Days 1984-2008'. After reading this volume I am even more interested in reading that one. But back to this book by Pope Benedict XVI. I must first declare that even though this book was compiled based on talks given to youth, it is a book that any Christian can read and benefit from. I finished reading this book and immediately started reading it with my 10 year old son. He is really appreciating it, and it is likely one I will read multiple times over. This is an amazing little volume!

The chapters in this book are:

Happiness Comes From Friendship With God
Discover The Purpose of Your Life
Radiate Christ's Love To All
Making the Best of School and Study
Turn To The Saints

In the introduction we are told:

"It is not often that a Pope, or indeed anyone else, had the opportunity to speak to the students of the Catholic schools of England, Wales and Scotland at the same time. And since I have the chance now, there is something I very much want to say to you. I hope that among those of you listening to me today there are some future saints of the twenty-first century. What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine, and he wants the very best for you. And by far the best thing for you is to grow in holiness."

Those words spoken to the young on September 17th and 18th in 2010 are just as valuable to us today, youth and those of us who are older. This book was very hard to put down, and thank to its brevity it can be easily read again and again. The tips in this book written for youth can be applied by any of us at any state in life. I have made a number of notes and have been applying them over the last week, and will continue to use this book as a tool for growth.

In the section Turn to the Saints there are brief biographies and prayers to:

St Thomas Aquinas
St Josephine Bakhita
St Damien of Molokai
St Rita
St Thomas More
St Martha
St Joseph of Cupertino

The prayers to the Saints are wonderful but the one I appreciated most was earlier in the book. It was a prayer for students:

Daily Study Prayer of Pope Benedict XVI

"Lord, you are my strength and my guide. Grant me wisdom and understanding. Help me to do the best I can, and to enjoy this day you have given me. Help me to be kind and considerate to the people you send into my life, and not to give up if things seem difficult."

I have added a daily calendar reminder to pray this prayer. And I added it to a collection of prayers I have been compiling. As I stated earlier this book is an incredible read and I highly recommend it. It is worth tracking down for young people in your life, or for your own growth and edification.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by from the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!