MAY SELFLESS SERVICE BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

VATICAN CITY, MAR 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope went at 1 p.m today to the Generalate of the Society of the Divine Savior, near the Vatican, where he took part in a period of prayer and had lunch with some of its members.

The Society, founded in 1881, has the aim of deepening and spreading the knowledge of Jesus as the only true Savior of the world.

Having prayed before the tomb of the founder, Fr. Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, John Paul II spoke to members of the Society in English.

"Through the witness of your commitment, through the example of your unbounded generosity and love - like that shown by Saint Joseph and by your own founder - the world will be freed more and more from its bondage to sin and death, the Gospel will be proclaimed with greater enthusiasm and power, faith will increase and the Church herself will grow in holiness and grace. These are the unfailing results of spending one's life so that others may have faith and hope."

In conclusion, the Holy Father encouraged them, through lives of selfless service, especially among young people and in the missions, to inspire others to embrace the faith ever more fully.

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SHOW CHRIST'S LOVE IN YOUR WORKPLACE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 19, 1999 (VIS) - Today, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of workers, John Paul II received 8,000 employees from municipal establishments in Rome in the Paul VI Hall.

Having recalled that the Citizens' Mission of Rome is focussed this year on the workplace, the Pope said that "an explicit proclamation of the Gospel is necessary, without shame of being Christian, even though in some circumstances silence is more appropriate to give greater place to the strength of witness."

The Pope, in referring to those who are looking for their first job, said: "For many young people, the lack of work creates situations of anxiety and sometimes of deep disillusionment. In fact, they see the road closed to taking up a direct responsibility in society, and they are often obliged to postpone the moment for starting their own family. If this situation is prolonged, it becomes dangerous and intolerable, it creates a barrier between people and society and generates a feeling of mistrust which does not help the formation of civil conscience."

"Sometimes work, either due to its organization in shifts or to determined schedules, gives rise to a feeling of uneasiness. It can be that some who are motivated by opportunities of going further in their careers, distort their relationships with colleagues. Solidarity disappears and sincere friendly mutual relations give way to suspicion and criticism, which leads to people being locked in their own individualism."

The Pontiff concluded: "In the workplace, clearly show the core of the faith which you profess: the love of Christ which goes to meet all generously and freely."

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AUDIENCE FOR BISHOPS FROM MOZAMBIQUE ON "AD LIMINA" VISIT

VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope this morning received prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.

At the beginning of his speech in Portuguese, the Holy Father gave thanks to God for the increase in priestly ordinations in the dioceses of Mozambique. Faced with the impossibility of being able to accept all young people who desire to enter the seminary due to of a lack of place, he said: "God must inspire you with ways and means to welcome vocations which are sent to you and which you so much need."

"Seminarians need to meet each other, 'to be' with their pastor and vice versa. ... A seminarian and priest, strengthened by prayer, mutual support and friendship, favor the spirit of obedience, which makes the priest receptive to carrying out the pastoral work entrusted to him by his bishop. ... Simplicity and self-denial must be the characteristics of those who follow the Lord."

John Paul II expressed his joy for "the invaluable service of consecrated people" and the flourishing of religious vocations in Mozambique. Sisters "cannot be seen as the priest's female counterparts, because their vocation is not to guide the flock, but to keep the ideal of the Beatitudes alive, anticipating the definitive condition of the Kingdom of God through the practice of the evangelical counsels."

The Holy Father encouraged bishops "to show interest for all (priests), independently of age, condition or nationality, be they natives or foreigners."

"The unity of all citizens, without distinction of race or creed, founded on the love of a common fatherland, should be ardently sought so as to work together for the integral development of the nation, in peace and justice. May young people not be afraid to commit themselves to the future of their country!"

The Pope emphasized that the greatest challenge has always been "the urgency of evangelization. ... Now that the Church in Mozambique today has solid foundations, the time has come for a great number of missionaries to come back to your country where millions of people have still not been evangelized, to 'proclaim the Good News to all.'"

In conclusion, the Pontiff asked God "to free the hearts of all citizens of Mozambique from hate, resentment and revenge, to reach the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 truly and deeply reconciled, in peace with God and with other people. This reconciliation, as Christians know, has its source of grace and strength in the Eucharist."

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ST. JOSEPH, GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father evoked the figure of St. Joseph "guardian of the Redeemer" in his speech this morning to one of several groups of pilgrims received in a special audience.

"From the first centuries," said the Pope, "the Fathers of the Church emphasized that, as Joseph lovingly cared for Mary and joyfully looked after Jesus's upbringing, so he cares and protects the Church, the mystical body of Christ of which Our Lady is the figure and model."

Speaking to a group from Brescia, the native city of Pope Paul VI, the Pontiff, textually quoted his "unforgettable predecessor" and encouraged them to "be faithful and to assure future generations that you will solidly, strongly, completely and fruitfully preserve the heritage of the Christian faith."

John Paul II had a special thought for Blessed Don Secondo Pollo, in words to pilgrims from Vercelli: "'Bet with him on holiness', which is the vocation of the entire people of God. It is a demanding endeavor, but it is also a source of true joy."

The Pope sent a special greeting to the sick and to the friends of the OFTAL association, founded by Msgr. Alessandro Rastrelli, "apostle of suffering, who spent all his life at the service of the sick. ... May Holy Mary who truly knows the redemptive value of human suffering be at your sides, in moments of trial and in times of prolonged illness."

Finally, the Holy Father addressed members of various confraternities on pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles and martyrs, calling them "missionaries of hope and Christian solidarity," and urging them "to bring Christ's light, joy and grace, everywhere."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Archbishop Francisco Javier Lozano Sebastian, apostolic nuncio in Tanzania, as apostolic nuncio in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

- Bishop Alois Kothgasser of Innsbruck, Austria, as member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments for a period of five years.

- Frs. Ignacio M. Calabuig Adan, O.S.M., Giuseppe Ferraro, S.J., and James Patrick Moroney, as consultors of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.

- As members of the Congregation for the Clergy: Cardinals Lucas Moreira Neves, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; Bernard Francis Law, archbishop of Boston, United States of America; Jan Chryzostom Korec, bishop of Nitra, Slovakia; Salvatore De Giorgi, archbishop of Palermo, Italy; Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa, Italy; Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop of Mexico, Mexico; Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments; Archbishops Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000; Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts; Paul Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum, and Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bishops Fernando Antonio Figueiredo of Santo Amaro, Brazil; Klaus Jung of Feldkirch, Austria; Umberto Tramma of Nola, Italy, and Heinrich Mussinghoff of Aachen, Germany.

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DECLARATIONS FROM HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made a declaration on the President of the Republic of Colombia's audience with the Pope and another on the visit of a Holy See delegation to Vietnam.

The declaration on the visit of Colombia's president states: "In the course of the cordial meeting, and in the ensuing audience with Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the tragic earthquake which struck Colombia in January and caused many victims and damage to the population, was recalled. The important problem of peace in Colombia itself was then discussed, as well as relations between Church and State in the light of the existing concordat. In conclusion, reference was made to inter-American cooperation in the Organization of American States and in relations with Europe."

The second declaration states: "The Holy See delegation, with Msgr. Celestino Migliore, under-secretary for Relations with States, and Msgr. Barnaba Nguyen Van Phuong, official at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, returned to Rome yesterday, March 19, following a five-day visit to Vietnam.

"The delegation met with members of the Permanent Council of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam and also held meetings with deputy vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nguyen Di Nien, and with the president of the Office for Religious Affairs, Mr. Le Quang Vinh.

"Various aspects of the presence and life of the Catholic Church in the country were reviewed with the government authorities. The appointment of bishops was discussed, for which a positive answer from the Vietnamese is expected in the near future. The issue of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See was touched upon, establishing foundations for future negotiations in this regard.

"The delegation visited Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet. During the Masses celebrated in the two southern episcopal sees on the 17th and 18th, and in the capital on the 19th on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of the archdiocese of Hanoi, the many faithful present expressed their true hope on behalf of all Catholics of the country for a papal visit to Vietnam."

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DECLARATION ON SUPPOSED LIBERATION OF TWO BISHOPS IN CHINA

VATICAN CITY, MAR 22, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made the following declaration concerning a presumed appeal made by the Holy See for the liberation in China of the bishop of Baoding and his auxiliary:

"The Secretariat of State up until now has taken no step concerning the liberation of the two bishops of Baoding. The circulation of such news was a personal initiative of Fr. Bernardo Cervellera, not agreed on by authorities at the Secretariat of State.

"Regarding relations with China, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran's interview in today's 'Corriere della Sera' (an Italian daily newspaper) adequately explains this point. Obviously, only the Secretariat of State is qualified to say what the Holy See wishes or does not wish to say. Therefore the ideas raised in the International Fides Service are Fr. Cervellera's personal opinions for which he assumes full responsibility."

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ANGELUS: ST. JOSEPH, KOSOVO, YOUTH ENCOUNTER IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 1999 (VIS) - In reflections made prior to reciting the angelus today, the Pope spoke about St. Joseph, whose liturgical feast was March 19, and recalled that the "spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the patron of the universal Church," whose mission was to be "guardian of the Redeemer and of the Church."

"In Joseph, in fact, who was called to be the earthly father of the Word Incarnate, we see reflected in a singular way the divine fatherhood. Joseph is the father of Jesus because he is truly the spouse of Mary. She conceived as a virgin through the work of God, but the Child is also the son of Joseph, her legitimate husband. Thus, both are called the 'parents' of Jesus in the Gospel. In exercising his fatherhood, Joseph cooperates, in the fullness of time, in the great mystery of the redemption."

John Paul II then asked for the faithful to pray for peace in Kosovo, given "the worsening situation" there. "Those communities have already gone through a long 'way of the cross', and await solutions which respect history and law."

After the angelus prayer, the Holy Father spoke of the 39 missionaries who were killed last year, and noted that "on Wednesday, March 24, Italy and other countries in the world will celebrate a day of prayer and fasting in memory of martyred missionaries. The blood of these brothers and sisters is the seed of new Christians, the seed of reconciliation and hope."

The Pope then pointed out that on Thursday, March 25, "Rome's young people will gather in the Vatican for the now traditional meeting of celebration and prayer, in which I will personally participate, in preparation for World Youth Day, which will be celebrated throughout the Church on the following Sunday, Palm Sunday. I invite all young boys and girls of Rome to this appointment, which looks towards the Jubilee year 2000 when Rome will host the Great Jubilee of Young People from August 15 to 20."

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POPE ENTRUSTS MISSION OF ROME TO ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS

VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope this morning celebrated Mass in the Roman parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Panfilo, and entrusted the future of the Citizens' Mission to their patroness, familiarly called "Teresina" (little Therese).

Commenting on today's Gospel, which recounts the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Pontiff said that, "in a society in which signs of death emerge but in which a deep necessity of hope for life is also felt, Christians have the mission of continuing to proclaim Christ, mankind's 'resurrection and life'. Yes, in the face of symptoms of an extensive 'culture of death', the great revelation of Jesus 'I am the Resurrection and the Life' must still resound today."

The Holy Father recalled that St. Therese "intensely lived the missionary call within the walls of the Carmel, so much so that she came to be called patroness of the missions. Together with the Citizens' Mission, we also entrust to her 'the ad gentes mission' of the diocese of Rome and all Roman missionaries, who have gone to many places throughout the world to generously sow the seed of the Gospel."

"St. Therese reminds us of the enthusiasm and generosity of young people. Her continual abandonment into the hands of God's loving mercy made her youth more joyful and radiant. Dear young people of this parish and of this entire diocese whom I will have the joy to meet in the Vatican this Thursday: I wish you the simplicity of heart and the holiness of the 'young' Therese, so as to experience her trust in God's merciful providence. Are young people not precisely those who especially feel the need to be listened to, loved and forgiven?"

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAR 22, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Giovanni Saldarini, archbishop of Turin, Italy, on his "ad limina" visit.
- Eight prelates from the Ukranian Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Marian Jaworski of Lviv of the Latin rite, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Stanislaw Padewski, O.F.M.
- Bishop Jan Olszanksi, M.I.C., of Kamyanets-Podilskyi, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Maksymilian Dubrawski, O.F.M.
- Bishop Jan Purwinski of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Stanislaw Szyrokoradiuk, O.F.M.
- Bishop Markijan Trofimiak of Lutsk.
- Bishop Antal Majnek, O.F.M, apostolic administrator of Zakarpattia.
- A group of eight prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Pier Giorgio Micchiardi, auxiliary of Turin.
- Archbishop Enrico Masseroni of Vercelli.
- Bishop Luigi Bettazzi, emeritus of Ivrea.
- Bishop Livio Maritano of Acqui.
- Bishop Massimo Giustetti of Biella.
- Bishop Vittorio Bernadetto of Susa.
- Bishop Renato Corti of Novara.
- Bishop Renato Zaccheo of Casale Monferrato.

On Saturday March 20, he received in separate audiences:

- Andres Pastrana-Arango, president of the Republic of Colombia, accompanied by his wife and entourage.
- Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, apostolic nuncio in Venezuela.
- Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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