September 14, 2005
Germany: A Scholar and Philosopher  - Exclusive Interview with Mangalorean Priest Rev Dr  Henry Patrao
   
                          
Rev. Fr. Dr. Dr. Henry Patrao, a Mangalorean, Parish Priest of Lingenfeld, Germany, is a Scholar and Philosopher who is also well known as one of the best Preachers of our modern times.  He has a unique gift of communicating the good and pleasant feelings of love, joy, respect and admiration among all the people around him unmindful of the age difference, whether child, youth or elderly, in relation to their standards of their social, emotional and psychological environmental life.  He has been a Spiritual Director for many priests, nuns, lay people and the youth helping them overcome resentment, exhaustion and dark shadows of life and to recover from their emotional spiritual and social breakdown in life.   

He has been a Principal of St Joseph`s College and has also served as a Rector of St. Joseph`s Major Seminary in Allahabad for many years.  He has an enormous experience in dealing with the youth in all their problems, obstacles and difficulties in life and blending their pathways towards righteousness, morality and virtues.
 
When we approached him to tell us about the World Youth Day 2005 and for his message to the youth, he has willingly offered us an opportunity to share with us his knowledge and experience even in spite of his busy schedules of his dedicated parish ministry.

Evelyn & Michael

Evelyn:  Please give us the knowledge about the image of the World Youth Day 2005 celebrated in Germany from 14th to 21st August 2005 with its purpose, needs and accomplishment, and also the influence of the church and the society over the youth in general for fulfilment of their aspirations, dreams and positive expectations.

Fr. Henry: "We have come to see and adore Him."  With this thought in mind, moved the Youth of the world to Germany, to see, experience and to adore the Lord Jesus, as He is lived and presented by the People of God in this country. Already the Movement of the youth from all corners of the world, was a sign of a new Jerusalem, in which people of all nations, cultures, languages and colours march together and sing "Alleluia" and "Hosanna" to the Lord, as it is envisioned in the book of "Revelation". The World Youth Day is a minor experience of what the Church is expected to be - a place, where God lives in His human nature, and gathers all under His wings, to love, protect and guide towards the goal of life. Besides, it is one of the means, Pope John Paul II conceived to build a "Bridge of peace and love" between People and Nations. The Youth of today seeks a deeper meaning of their life and existence.

The society, in which they live, is not able to guide them beyond the material goods, which do not satisfy the inner desires of their soul. The Society in general has become indifferent and cold to all noble, moral and spiritual needs of human beings. The Church struggles to keep its structures and moral codes, and ignores the spiritual dimensions of love, forgiveness and understanding... Hence the cry of the youth of today is to make the Church of Jesus, a temple of love and peace.

The youth knows Jesus alone can fulfil their aspirations, dreams and expectations. To realize these dreams, the church will have to undergo an inner renewal and move out of its structural edifice, and open the windows to let the fresh air of Holy Spirit enter into it. "Come oh Holy Spirit and breathe a new life int