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Herald Malaysia
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Herald Malaysia
Pope to Medjugorje youth gathering: ‘No-one walks alone'
Pope Leo tells young people gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival in Medjugorje to "walk together, support each other, and inspire one another". Aug 05, 2025 A previous edition of the Medjugorje International Youth Festival. By Augustine AstaPope Leo XIV has urged young people to follow the example of the Virgin Mary by seeking genuine human connection, in a message to the thousands of pilgrims gathered for the 36th International Youth Festival in Medjugorje. The Youth Festival, held at the Marian shrine in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, runs this year from August 4 to 8 and draws young people from across the globe. Pope Leo said that the theme for this year's edition— 'We will go to the house of the Lord' (Psalm 122:1)—resonated deeply with him. He described it as 'evocative of a journey, of a longing that moves us toward God, toward His dwelling place, where we can truly feel at home—because it is there that His love awaits us.' Jesus, the Only True Way 'How can we walk toward the house of the Lord without losing our way?' the Pope asked. In answer, he cited Jesus' own words: 'I am the way' (John 14:6). 'It is Christ Himself who accompanies us, guides us, and strengthens us along the road,' he said. 'His Spirit opens our eyes and helps us see what we could never understand on our own.' On the road of life, Pope Leo emphasized, 'no one walks alone.' Our paths are always intertwined with those of others. 'We are made for encounter, for walking together, and for discovering a shared goal,' he said. Drawing on a reflection by St. Augustine, the Pope emphasized that the house of the Lord is not a distant goal, but rather the joy of a journey shared—as a pilgrim people : "Let us go, let us go!" —they say to one another. And in so doing, 'they ignite one another and become a single flame. That one flame, born of those who share the fire within them, lights the path ahead.' 'No one walks alone,' Pope Leo repeated. 'We encourage each other. We ignite each other. The flames of our hearts unite to become one great fire that lights the way forward. You too, dear young people, are not solitary pilgrims. This path toward the Lord is one we walk together. That is the beauty of a faith lived out in the Church.' In the Image of the Virgin Mary Through these daily encounters, said the Pope, 'we can walk together on our pilgrimage to the house of the Lord.' But in a world that is increasingly globalized and shaped by artificial intelligence and digital technology, Pope Leo issued a strong reminder: 'Remember: no algorithm will ever replace an embrace, a look, a real encounter—not with God, not with our friends, not with our families.' 'Think of Mary,' he urged. Mary, the Pope recalled, also set out on a difficult journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It wasn't easy, he noted, 'but she went—and that meeting brought joy. John the Baptist leapt in his mother's womb, recognizing in Mary the living presence of the Lord.' Following Mary's example, the Pope encouraged young people to seek authentic connection: 'Rejoice together, and don't be afraid to weep with those who weep.' The Language of Faith and Love In a world marked by cultural and linguistic diversity, Pope Leo called the youth to courage. Because, he said, 'there is a language stronger than any barrier: the language of faith, nourished by the love of God.' He reminded the festival's participants that they are 'all members of His Body, the Church.' Hence his invitation: 'Meet each other, get to know one another, share. It is only in walking together, supporting each other, and inspiring one another that we will reach the house of the Lord.'--Vatican News
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool explores sustainable options for VE Day benches
Pontypool Community Council is investigating the possibility of using recycled or UK steel for the VE80 Bench Project, which commemorates VE Day. These benches are set to be installed on November 11, the council confirmed in its June meeting. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The council has also approved a live trees maintenance plan, which will include collapsible trollies for watering. The council is also promoting the use of digital tools over paper, including QR code-enabled surveys. The council meeting, which took place across multiple locations on June 25, was marked by a strong commitment to community engagement and support. A presentation was given by Cwmpas, a not-for-profit organisation that supports co-operative and social enterprise housing. The organisation, backed by the Welsh Government and charitable foundations, offers comprehensive guidance for community-led housing initiatives in Pontypool. Councillors also approved funding of £500 each for two local events: the 130th Anniversary of Pontypool Indoor Market and the Pontypool Food Festival. The funds will support marketing and promotion efforts for these events. The council members noted preparations for the upcoming Youth Festival and Twinning Conference, set to take place from August 20 to 24. These events aim to strengthen international links and increase youth participation. The meeting also saw a series of formal approvals, including the adoption of the Annual Report 2024/25 and the approval of the Final Accounts and Governance Statement for the year ending March 31, 2025. The council also confirmed minutes from recent council and committee meetings and ratified updated constitutional changes and a suite of reviewed and new council policies. These policies include Internet Banking, Data Protection, and a Multi-location Meeting Policy. In terms of technology and civic engagement, councillors approved the purchase of three new laptops due to ongoing equipment issues. Plans were also reviewed for rolling out new official email addresses to members. The council discussed improving community engagement, with a training session hosted by One Voice Wales scheduled for October 15. Councillors were also invited to participate in Party in the Park on July 12, where a community survey will be launched to gather feedback on key local issues such as youth provision and public amenities. The council also reviewed plans for a future "Away Afternoon" to reflect on strengths and strategic improvements within both council operations and community services. This will be discussed further at the next meeting. The council moved into a confidential session at the end of the meeting to consider sensitive matters.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
AA launches road safety week
In celebration of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week beginning on May 12, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is initiating a special Road Safety Week campaign centred on creating safer environments for vulnerable road users, especially children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The flagship event will be a high-level panel discussion supported by the FIA Foundation, designed to shed light on the critical issues faced by these groups and explore practical solutions to improve safety on South African roads. Read more: Nedbank cyclists represented at annual Youth Festival The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Pedestrians account for nearly 40% of annual road fatalities in South Africa, with children aged five to 14 being among the most vulnerable. Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death within this age group. Cyclists, often navigating roads lacking dedicated infrastructure and proper visibility, face heightened risks of injury and fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted safety interventions and infrastructure investments to protect those most at risk. A central feature of the event will be a presentation of the 'Walking Safely to School' (WATCH) project in Mamelodi, Tshwane. This community-driven initiative, developed through a partnership between AA South Africa, ChildSafe South Africa, and supported by the FIA Foundation, demonstrates how simple yet effective infrastructure improvements can significantly reduce risks for schoolchildren. By creating safer walking routes, this project aims to promote safer, healthier, and more accessible means of travel for children heading to school. Also read: Volvo Trucks' new safety system aims to protect cyclists, pedestrians Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of AA South Africa, emphasised the importance of listening to communities' needs: 'The fact that so many children walk to school without suitable infrastructure is unacceptable. We need urgent, long-term investments in road safety – and that starts with engaging directly with those most affected.' The event will also feature discussions on road safety data and trends in South Africa, the existing gaps in infrastructure, and proven safety measures that can be implemented to reduce accidents involving children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The panel will explore the lived experiences of vulnerable road users, highlighting the importance of civil society's role in shaping policies that foster safer transport environments. Lessons learned from local projects, including the Mamelodi initiative, will be shared to inspire further action. To complement the event, a digital campaign will be launched encouraging South Africans to share their walking routes, identify unsafe areas, and advocate for municipal action using hashtags such as #MakeWalkingSafe, #MakeCyclingSafe, and #SafeStreetsSA. Through these efforts, the AA aims to raise awareness and galvanise support for safer, more inclusive streets that protect the most vulnerable. By fostering community engagement, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and promoting a culture of safety, the organisation hopes to create a lasting impact that ensures every child, pedestrian, and cyclist can navigate South African roads safely and confidently. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: A warning that help drivers from dooring cyclists At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
