Emmanuel Mambo Monga and Lynette Wambui Njogu, the representatives of Kenyan youth who spoke directly to the Pope at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, describe the opportunity as a lifetime experience.
Emmanuel, a fashion designer in Eastleigh, Nairobi, says from the time he was chosen to give the address, he knew it would not only be his biggest chance in life but also a rare blessing to him and his family in Machakos.
“In my speech, I wanted to tell the Pope what the youth in Kenya go through,” says Emmanuel.
He adds that the Pontiff has left the youth with the biggest challenge; working to achieve their potential.
Lynette, on the other hand, says she had a beautiful encounter with Pope Francis, and the chance to share the experiences that the youth in Kenya go through inspired her to dream big. “We received messages of hope as well as recommendations on how to face major obstacles in life to overcome what stands between us and success,” says Lynette.
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A final year student of Library and Information Science at the Kenyatta University, Lynette hails from the Catholic Parish of Murang’a.
As she completes her college education, Lynette says her biggest challenge remains to be successful in life. She hopes the young people will not only adhere to the Pope’s message but also keep the faith.
“Speaking to such a big influence, not only in the Catholic Church but in the whole world, has changed my life forever. I believe he believes in the youth and now we must implement what he asks of us. By telling us to be firm, the Pope showed us that even though he is not young any more, our issues are alive in his heart,” adds Lynette.
When the Pope stood to speak, he made numerous references to the speeches made by Emanuel and Lynette. “The young Emanuel asked questions that would disturb even a university professor of theology,” said the Holy Father. “Emanuel asked, ‘How can we understand that God is our father; how can I see the hand of God in times of tragedy? What word can you offer to those young ones who do not feel love from their family?’ I was going to answer this in just one response, but no, there is no response. Instead, there is a way; to look at how the son of God allowed himself to be destroyed on the cross. When you do not understand something, just look at the cross,” explained the Pope.
The Holy Father answered Emanuel’s question on lack of family love by telling the youth to “defend the family”. “These problems are everywhere and not only are the young ones abandoned, but even the elderly. How do we come out of this negative experience of falling out of love? There is only one remedy: To do that which we do not receive.
“If you did not receive understanding, then be understanding with others. If you did not receive love, then give love, and if there is loneliness then come close to those who are alone,” concluded the Holy Father.
