VATICAN CITY, APR 1, 2000 (VIS) - Following a Mass this morning in St. Peter's Square for 35,000 Italian faithful who came to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2000, Pope John Paul came to the square to greet them. Among those present were pilgrims from five dioceses, prelates and officials from the Apostolic Penitentiary and the priest confessors of Rome's patriarchal basilicas, members of the Italian Association of the Perpetual Rosary, led by Dominican Fathers, and pilgrims "In Service to Divine Mercy."
He had special words for each of the eight groups, highlighting in particular the meaning and importance of the Holy Year and of crossing the threshold of the Holy Door. He underlined the Jubilee's call to Christians to conversion, to "a renewed fidelity to Christ, our Redeemer," and to confirm their commitment to the new evangelization. John Paul II affirmed that the Jubilee "is also a propitious occasion to reinforce ecclesial communion."
The Pope then remarked how "the Cross of young people is travelling throughout Italy's dioceses in this time of preparation for World Youth Day." He urged young people to "not be subject to fear. Contemplating the Cross, ... go forth in the new millennium offering everyone an efficacious witness of charity, pardon and mercy!"
Addressing the priests confessors of Rome's basilicas, the Pope stated that "Penance is such a precious mystery, which demands clarity of doctrine and pastoral mercy, adequate preparation and constant availability."
To the members of the Italian sodality of the Perpetual Rosary, the Holy Father said: "Recite the holy rosary and spread its practice in the milieux that you frequent. It is a prayer which introduces one to the school of the living Gospel, educates to piety, makes one persevere in good, prepares people for life and, above all, makes one very dear to Mary."
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