Scouts called to continue offering invaluable service, says Pope

Vatican City, Aug 3, 2007 / 09:05 am

Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram to the Scouts gathered in Chelmsford, England, for their Jamboree celebrating 100 years of Scouting, reminding them they are “called to continue offering their invaluable service.”

In the telegram signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, the Pontiff underscored that, “In a time in which young people are confused and misguided,” the Scouts “are called to continue offering their invaluable service.”  The Holy Father noted that Scouting has allowed “millions of youngsters to become adults who are free, generous and responsible, making use of their talents given by God and putting them at the service of their brothers and sisters.”

The Pope also expressed gratitude for the great benefits of Scouting and pointed out its contribution to the development of the human person. 

The telegram was read at the end of a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, who thanked the Scouts for their effort to create a better world.  “The Church needs your generosity, your faith and your love for the future,” the cardinal said.

The Jamboree in Chelmsford will run through August 8, with more than 40,000 Scouts from around the world participating in the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the first Scout camp that took place in August of 1907 on the British island of Brownsea.