ANGELUS REFLECTIONS ON NEW SAINTS, FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, in reflections preceding the angelus prayer, spoke of the just-concluded canonization ceremony, and the celebrations today of Christ the King, the presentation of Mary in the temple and Italy's Day of Migrations.

"On the solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, which concludes the liturgical year, we have reason for further rejoicing this morning with the canonization of twelve new saints. ... While I cordially greet the pilgrims who came for this happy occasion, I invite everyone to give praise to the Lord for the great works which He achieved in these witnesses to the Gospel. In particular I urge you to contemplate on their special devotion to the mother of the Redeemer on the day in which we mark her presentation in the temple."

The Holy Father remarked that "the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most cherished feasts of the Eastern tradition, which has also been celebrated in the West, starting in the 14th century. ... On this occasion, the ecclesial community of the entire world remembers cloistered nuns, who have embraced a totally contemplative life."

In closing remarks, the Pope pointed to Italy's celebration of the Day of Migrations. "This is a considerable phenomenon which has, in addition to a number of challenges, many possibilities for good. I encourage those who work in this field to evaluate the human and spiritual potential of migrations, as underlined by the theme proposed for this year: 'From many paths to One Father."

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