VATICAN CITY, APR 1, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father welcomed 6,000 faithful from the Czech Republic who are in Rome on their national Holy Year pilgrimage. He spoke to them of Lent, the meaning of the Jubilee and the changes that society in their country has undergone in recent years. Before the Pope's appearance, Mass had been celebrated for the Czech faithful in the hall.
"The Lenten season which we are now living," he said, "is a pressing invitation to conversion. Only a heart which is aware of needing a deeper and more intimate union with God is ready to cross the threshold of the Holy Door; only the person who truly undergoes conversion can be a faithful and credible witness in the world of the new life in Christ. This is the true meaning of the Holy Year."
The Holy Father underscored the Czech pilgrims' "witness to that unity and love which are the signs of a true Christian. I urge you to continue to live that solidarity."
He then turned to their country, saying that "your society is finally enjoying a time of democracy and freedom. However, a progressive secularization and a widespread moral relativism call on your Christian community (to act). You justly believe that the current situation calls for a consistent effort in the sphere of catechesis at all levels: children, youth, families, schools, the media, the workplace and culture."
The Pope encouraged parents "to know how to help your children discern values," and he urged young people "not to let yourselves be taken in by false myths and mirages. Don't give in to the illusion of easy success... A united family is certainly a guarantee for building a responsible society."
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