OUR HEARTS NEED GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II this morning told the faithful of the Roman parish of San Raimondo Nonnato, quoting today's Gospel: "'May the word which comes from the mouth of God' call us and nourish our spirit, because 'man does not live on bread alone'. Our hearts need God above all else."

Having expressed his wish to parishioners that "the unity of the parish grow stronger, making it a true 'family of families'," the Pope said: "I take joy in the strong commitment with which you are living to the Citizens' Mission."

"Christians should feel moved to take initiatives and meet their brothers and sisters in their homes, in their neighborhood and in places of life and work where the same word of salvation is heard - the Word of God - which is more necessary than bread for the life of the person."

The Holy Father recalled that Lent "is an important time of penance and grace. This year is an even more significant call to repentance and conversion, in view of the Jubilee of the Year 2000."
"Pay special attention to the celebration of the sacrament of Penance. ... May the closeness of the Jubilee awaken in every believer an active interest in this sacrament; may priests be available to develop with care and dedication this essential sacramental ministry; may the places where the celebration of the sacrament takes place be multiplied, with confessors available at different times during the day, ready to generously dispense the endless mercy of God."

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