CARMELITES, 700 YEARS AS CUSTODIANS OF A ROMAN BASILICA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 4, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from John Paul II to Father Ubaldo Pani, O. Carm., prior of the parochial basilica of Saints Sylvester and Martin in the Hills, on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the donation of this basilica to the Carmelites by Pope Boniface VIII.

In the letter, dated May 1, the Holy Father recalls that Boniface VIII entrusted the basilica with the double intention of pastoral care for the faithful and as a place to study theology for those embarking upon the Carmelite life.

"In its seven centuries of life, the community of your convent has experienced how divine Providence has guided both the religious who have lived here and all those who have prayed with devotion in this place, towards a genuine ascetic and spiritual life."

The Pope manifested his joy that, "in keeping with the teaching of Bishop St. Martin of Tours, defender of the poor, to whom this basilica is dedicated, you show great concern for those in need. A concrete example of your dedication to charity is the 'shower center' for the neighborhood poor."

The Pontiff closes the letter by requesting that this commemoration "stimulate all members of the Carmelite Order to continue with renewed vigour along the path of sanctity and faithfulness to the original charism."

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