MESSAGE TO SONS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 1, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope wrote a message to Fr. Aurelio Mozzetta, superior general of the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception, for the centenary - which falls in the year 2000 - of the death of the founder, Servant of God Fr. Luigi Maria Monti.

In his message, dated September 24, the Holy Father recalls that Fr. Monti was a "splendid figure of consecrated layman, religious and apostle of charity, who was led by ardent love for the Immaculate Virgin to heroically serve Christ in the young, the poor and the suffering."

The Pope writes, "I truly hope that Fr. Monti's example helps his spiritual sons to remain firm in faith, in hope and in charity. This centenary, which commemorates his birth in heaven, represents for the congregation a precious occasion for deepening the spiritual heritage left by (the founder), with a view to adhering with renewed commitment to the original charism."

John Paul II asks that, following in the footsteps of the founder, "the Sons of the Immaculate Conception not fail to deepen their awareness of the mystery of the Most Holy Virgin, making every effort to inspire their own lives in her example."

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