VATICAN CITY, JAN 30, 2000 (VIS) - In reflections preceding today's angelus prayer, the Pope pointed out that "Wednesday, February 2, feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, we will celebrate the Jubilee for Consecrated Life, that is, of those persons who have consecrated their lives to Christ, committing themselves to it through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience."
Greeting those who have come to Rome for this Jubilee, as well as those who will celebrate in their respective dioceses, the Holy Father recalled the highlights of this event: today is dedicated to thanksgiving for the consecrated life, tomorrow afternoon the Paul VI Hall will host a "festive encounter" of consecrated persons, February 1 there will be Eucharistic adoration at St. Mary Major and on Wednesday, February 2, the Pope will preside at a Mass in St. Peter's Square.
He invited the faithful "to spiritually join their brothers and sisters who express the different forms of consecrated life, because their vocation is a gift to the entire Church. ... By their very presence, consecrated persons are a sign of Christ and His way of life and, while they invite us to place nothing in front of God and His Kingdom, they are an example for everyone of generosity in prayer and dedication to one's neighbor."
After praying the angelus with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II remarked that "today is the World Day of Lepers, persons for whom the Church, following Christ's example, has always dedicated special attention. I embrace all our brothers and sisters who suffer Hansen's disease and renew my wish that, in this Jubilee year, they will feel the healing strength of solidarity."
ANG;CONSECRATED LIFE; LEPROSY;...;...;VIS;20000131;Word: 280;
No comments:
Post a Comment