POPE ENCOURAGES RENEWED MISSIONARY ZEAL

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope this morning received 500 pilgrims from the Italian diocese of Vigevano, which recently held a synod, and expressed the hope that there might be "renewed missionary enthusiasm throughout the entire diocesan community" as a fruit of the work of these last three years.

Addressing the Church community of Vigevano, John Paul II said: "Do not be daunted by the great challenges of the present day! Advance with trust on the path of the new evangelization, working with love at the service of the poor and giving courageous witness in the various realities of society today."

"During the work of the synod, you dedicated special attention to young people and the family. Continue supporting and helping families so that they become authentic communities of life and love. ... Do not spare your energy on the Christian formation of children, adolescents and young people. They need valid points of reference, therefore be examples of coherence in your human and Christian lives. Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life are born and developed in a context of faithfulness to the Gospel."

The Holy Father recalled that, during the synod there was also a concern to "bring the living proclamation of the Gospel to those who are 'far away', without being afraid of measuring yourselves against the challenges of post-modern culture." He exhorted them to continue to "use every useful instrument for this."

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