POPE WELCOMES WORLD CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMUNITIES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2000 (VIS) - Leaders of the World Christian Life Communities were welcomed to the Vatican this morning by Pope John Paul II who recalled the apostolate's "long and rich tradition of the Marian Congregations, which trace their origins back to the 16th century, to the initiative of Ignatius of Loyola and his companions."

He also remarked that the Marian Congregations, united in a world Federation, changed their name in 1971 to World Federation of Christian Life Communities and again, "in 1990, with the Apostolic See's approval of the revised General Principles and Norms, you became the 'World Christian Life Community'." They are now present in 58 countries.

The Pope, speaking English, pointed out that they "draw inspiration and strength from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius" for their task of building the Kingdom of God. "As members of the laity, you are called to be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ in all spheres of life: in your families, in your professional lives, in the worlds of politics and culture, in the local Church communities to which each of you belongs."

The Holy Father exhorted them to "renew your trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Mother. She is the most eloquent example of obedience to the Lord and acceptance of His will."

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