THE NEW SAINTS LIVED A LIFE OF UNCONDITIONAL COMMITMENT

VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received pilgrims who have come to Rome for the canonization of the Spanish Blesseds Cirilo Bertran and eight companions, Inocencio del la Inmaculada, martyrs, and the Italians Benedetto Menni and Tommaso da Cori.
In his talk, the Pope recalled that these saints "bear witness to us of a rich spirituality, forged in daily faith and in the unconditional commitment to their vocation of service to others."

Speaking of the new saints from the Brothers of Christian Schools, he appealed for their educational work "to also be a model for Christian educators at the threshold of the new millennium."

John Paul II recalled the "primordial duty of parents who have the first and principal responsibility for the education of their children." He emphasized that the public authorities must offer the conditions necessary to enable both public and private schools to impart "an education that conforms to (the families') own moral and religious principles. This is all the more necessary in a country like Spain, where most parents demand a religious education for their children."

Following the example of the founder of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Benedetto Menni, he appealed to the great family of Hospitallers: "In keeping with the charism of the new saint, imitate the immense love that he felt towards the most unfortunate, dedicating his whole life to their service."

Finally, the Pope referred to St. Tommaso da Cori: "From the intensity of his relationship with God, especially his profound devotion to the Eucharist, blossomed the fruitfulness of his pastoral work."

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