PRIESTS SHOULD BE WITNESSES OF TRUE RENEWAL

VATICAN CITY, JAN 19, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II today received, as he does every year on or near the January 21 feast of St. Agnes, their patron, the rector and students from the Roman diocesan seminary "Almo Collegio Capranica."

"Agnes, virgin and martyr," said the Pope, "made her very life an 'eloquent and attractive example of a life completely transfigured by the splendor of moral truth' and for this reason, she was able to 'light up every period of history, by reawakening its moral sense'. Her example has encouraged so many believers to follow in her footsteps throughout the centuries. Your College has very appropriately chosen her as its patron saint, and you also see her as a model to imitate."

Later, referring to the Jubilee, he said: "This event should be approached with a renewed heart. It is up to priests, in the first place, to be witnesses and apostles of a true renewal in their personal lives and in their communities."

The Holy Father ended by saying that "the world is waiting for the total commitment and holiness of life of those whom the Lord calls to his close service. May this be your primary concern."

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