POPE ORDAINS 26 DEACONS OF HIS DIOCESE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2000 - In St. Peter's Square at 9:30 a.m. today, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration during which he conferred priestly ordination on 26 deacons of the diocese of Rome. The newly ordained priests are from Italy, Spain, Northern Ireland, Guatemala, India, Nicaragua, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast.

"On this Sunday, commonly called the 'Sunday of the Good Shepherd'," said the Pope in his homily, "the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations."

John Paul II told the new priests that "the mystery of divine, creative and redeeming love, revealed in the Incarnation of the Word and fulfilled in His Paschal sacrifice, is so great as to fill to overflowing every day and every moment of your ministry. From this mystery, especially in the celebration of Holy Mass, draw the spiritual energy (necessary) to faithfully carry out your mission. Through your hands, the Good Shepherd will continue to offer His life sacramentally for the salvation of the world, drawing everyone to Him and inviting everyone to accept the embrace of the one Father. Be ever aware of and grateful for this gift that Providence concedes you today."
"I wish to thank those who have accompanied and guided you on the path that has brought you here. ... For everyone, the joy of seeing you priests, ever faithful to your mission, will be the greatest recompense. Furthermore, may your example encourage other young men to follow Christ with the same readiness."

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