MAY THE STAR OF THE EPIPHANY SHOW THE WAY TO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2000 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica today, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, John Paul II consecrated twelve new bishops from seven different countries in four continents.

In his homily, the Holy Father affirmed that "on this day the light of the Nativity extends its range; it is the light of the Epiphany of God. It is no longer just the shepherds of Bethlehem who see and follow it, but also the Magi who, from the east, have arrived at Jerusalem to adore the newborn King. With the Magi, the nations start along their journey towards the divine Light."

The Holy Father indicated that, in keeping with a tradition he has sought to follow since the start of his pontificate, "today, we celebrate this mystery by consecrating some new bishops."

A number of them, he said, "will carry out the mission of apostolic nuncio": Archbishops Joseph Wesolowski in Bolivia; Giacomo Guido Ottonello in Panama; George Panikulam in Honduras and Alberto Bottari De Castello in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Bishop Ivo Baldi will guide the diocese of Huaraz, Peru; Bishop Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp. will be coadjutor of Lwena, Angola, and Bishop David Laurin Ricken, coadjutor of Cheyenne, U.S.A. Bishops Anton Cosa and Giuseppe Pasotto will be apostolic administrators of Moldova and the Caucasus respectively, while Bishops Andras Veres and Peter Erdo, become, respectively, auxiliaries of Eger, and of Szekesfehervar, both in Hungary. Bishop Franco Croci will continue his duties as secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.

Addressing the new prelates, the Pope exclaimed: "Be constantly aware of the grace of this day! May the Light of Christ always shine in your hearts and in your pastoral ministry."

John Paul II concluded by asking God, Light of Light, that "His light, the light of the Epiphany, never cease to shine in our hearts, indicating to individuals and peoples in the third millennium, the way of truth, of love and of peace."

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