 Copyright University of Melbourne Archives. Used with permission. |
At the concluding mass for WYD08 in Sydney, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged young people from every nation to be witnesses of life and love in the Spirit: “Do not be afraid to say 'yes' to Jesus, to find your joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness, and using all your talents in the service of others!"1 Almost a century ago, Mary Glowrey said ‘yes’ to this call, a personal call that she experienced from the heart of Jesus, and in the witness of her very person became a source of life for countless thousands. Shy, gentle and tiny in stature, Mary was initially ‘regarded as something of mouse’ by those around her.2 And yet, she held within her the fire of God’s love for humanity and through the example of her life has become an authentic witness to hope. Her capacity to speak anew to the people of our time, and in particular to galvanize a new generation into action in the service of life and the protection of the weakest in our midst, retains a freshness, a power and a potency which transcends the barriers imposed by culture, time and history.