THE JUBILEE CALLS US TO CONVERSION AND ADHESION TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, MAR 11, 2000 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Square at midday today, the Pope received various groups of pilgrims: members of Rotary International, and faithful from the Italian diocese of Pitigliano, from the Pius XI Archiepiscopal College, from various parishes in Rieti, Bologna and Urbania, Italy, and from the archdiocese of Philadelphia, U.S.A.

John Paul II reminded the members of Rotary International that Paul Percy Harris founded the association almost 100 years ago because he had come to realize the loneliness suffered by "people in big cities and tried to remedy this through Rotary, an ever-growing network of friendly relations between individuals, based on compassion, understanding and peace among peoples." He asked that they commit themselves "to giving hope to modern man, to defeat solitude, indifference, selfishness and evil."

To the faithful of the diocese of Pitigliano-Sovana-Orbetello he said that the Holy Year, "apart from special grace, also offers strong motives to convert our mentality and life to achieve a more organic adhesion to Christ and a deeper love for the Church. Returning to your homes, continue your commitment of Christian witness."

The Holy Father then addressed some remarks to members of the Pius XI Archiepiscopal College of Desio, Italy: "Christ, the Way, Truth and Life revitalizes you, that you may be His friends and His witnesses in the world. Know how to be faithful to Him, becoming dispensers of hope, joy and love among your brothers."

In speaking to the faithful of parishes in Rieti, Bologna and Urbania, Italy, the Pope requested that, on returning to their homes, they know how to "demonstrate to those they meet, the enthusiasm of renewed faith and the commitment of effective charity."

Finally, John Paul II greeted a group of faithful from the archdiocese of Philadelphia, U.S.A., accompanied by their archbishop, Cardinal Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua. Referring to their crossing the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope expressed the hope that this step would confirm their "commitment to turn away from sin and to accept the gift of new life which the Lord constantly offers through the ministry of the Church."

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