HOLY FATHER RECITES ANGELUS FROM CARMELITE MONASTERY

VATICAN CITY, JUL 18, 1999 (VIS) - For a second consecutive Sunday, Pope John Paul recited the angelus from his vacation retreat in Valle d'Aosta, northwest Italy. Today he visited the "Mother of Mercy" Carmelite monastery at Quart, which he had blessed 10 years earlier on the July 16 feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

In reflections preceding the angelus prayer, the Pope said: "A monastery is an authentic 'center' of spiritual energy, nourished by the source of contemplation, based on the example of prayer to which Jesus dedicated Himself in solitude, immersing Himself totally in the dialogue with God the Father, to draw the strength necessary to His saving mission."

"In this monastic community of Quart," he continued, "Mary, Queen of Carmel, is venerated with the title of 'Mother of Mercy'. Giving birth to Jesus, the Holy Virgin in fact gave the world the supreme Witness of the merciful love of God. In this plan of salvation, she is not merely an instrument, but a docile collaborator: Divine mercy is perfectly consonant with Mary. ... Mary's motherhood is fulfilled on Calvary, where divine mercy realizes, in the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, the supreme act of redemption. In that tragic yet glorious hour, Mary becomes forever the Mother of Mercy."

The Holy Father then greeted the priests, religious and seminarians of the diocese. And, noting that his "stay in Valle d'Aosta is coming to an end," he thanked all those who had a role "in preparing everything for a serene and tranquil visit."

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