HOLY FATHER THANKS THOSE WHO ASSIST THE SICK

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II at midday today received 7,000 participants in the UNITALSI annual congress, an Italian association which assists the sick on pilgrimages to international Marian shrines.

"I wish to express my delight for the charitable and steadfast work you do with discretion and generosity for those who suffer trials in body and mind. You offer them a special witness of charity."

The Pope said that "the network of leadership and aid in the various Italian dioceses, gives witness to the generosity of so many priests, doctors, nurses, religious volunteers, stretcher-bearers, companions and volunteers who, making visible in the world today the image of the Good Samaritan, care both materially and spiritually for the sick."

He recalled that they are reflecting on the spirit of UNITALSI during the congress "in relation to the changes and challenges in today's society." He ended by saying that, in spite of the changes in structure and organization, "the spirit and charism of the Union's service cannot change, and love especially should remain as it's vital core and irradiation, without which your work would lose its meaning."

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