GREETINGS TO PENTECOSTAL BISHOPS, YOUTH AND THE SICK

VATICAN CITY, FEB 9, 2000 (VIS) - Following an English-language summary of his catechesis at today's general audience, Pope John Paul welcomed the members of the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops, telling them he was "confident that your visit to Rome will help to strengthen ecumenical relations between Catholics and Pentecostals."

The Pope also had special words of greeting for young people, the sick and newlyweds. "Thinking of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, which we celebrate February 11, I would like to invite you young people to entrust yourselves ever more to the maternal protection of Mary that she might help you preserve hearts which are generous, willing and full of apostolic enthusiasm."

"May Our Lady of Lourdes," he continued, "whose intercession is sought by many people who are sick in body or spirit, turn her gaze of consolation and hope on you, dear sick people, and may she sustain you as your bear your daily cross in close union with the redeeming cross of Christ."

"May Mary accompany you, dear newlyweds, on your path so that your families will be communities of intense spiritual life and concrete Christian witness."

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