POPE THANKS ST. PETER'S CIRCLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT

VATICAN CITY, JUN 5, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope received the presidency and members of the Circle of St. Peter which dedicates itself to works of charity and assistance. This year, the organization has been entrusted with the distribution of meals in the canteens for the poor which have been set up near the patriarchal basilicas.

John Paul II thanked them for their voluntary work in the canteens as well as for their activities in parishes, hospitals and welcome centers, "never tiring of standing alongside those who suffer in body and in spirit, in order to bring them the consoling certainty that Christ is the Savior of all."

"Peter's Pence which, as every year, you consign to me personally, constitutes a further sign of your silent but substantial participation in the concerns of the Holy See, which is called to intervene ever more incisively in response to the growing appeal of the poorest people in so many parts of the world. Your praiseworthy willingness to collect funds for the Pope's charity represents a much appreciated sign of communion with the universal ministry of Peter's Successor."

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