JOHN PAUL II RELIVES THE "GREAT EMOTION" OF FATIMA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2000 (VIS) - "The emotion is still very great which I felt yesterday in my heart in Fatima, as I proclaimed as Blesseds the shepherd children Jacinta and Francisco who, together with Lucia, who is still living, had the privilege of seeing Our Lady and speaking to her."

Prior to reciting the noon Regina Coeli prayer, with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope re-lived his brief journey to Fatima, adding that he had "entrusted Our Lady with all the needs and intentions of the Church, including praying for vocations. Today in fact, we celebrate The World Day of Prayer for Vocations."

The Holy Father then pointed out that, "according to a meaningful custom, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as 'Good Shepherd' Sunday, I was happy to have been able to ordain new priests for the diocese of Rome." He asked the faithful to pray for these priests.

"In this month of May, traditionally dedicated to Mary," he observed, "(and) welcoming the invitation that the Virgin extended in Fatima to believers, let us pray and do penance for the Church, for the holiness of priests, for the conversion of all who live in sin and for peace in the world."

ANG;FATIMA; MAY; MARY;...;...;VIS;20000515;Word: 220;