AUDIENCE WITH BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 25, 2000 (VIS) - Today in Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father received a group of Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence who are celebrating their 22nd General Chapter. The theme they are considering is "The refounding of religious life as Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence: mysticism, fraternal life and mission."

"It is your wish," said the Holy Father, "to carry out your mission, above all in the world of abandoned infants, of marginalized children, of youth and of adolescents, who are conditioned by the modern consumer mentality and often victims of many types of violence."

In order to face hunger, wars and illnesses such as AIDS, of which children are the victims "in vast areas of the planet, ... great faith in divine providence" is necessary. "This," cried John Paul II, "is the challenge that faces your Chapter! It is a challenge that needs a great heart, full of faith, capable of ever searching for the kingdom of God and His justice with prophetic courage and complete trust in divine providence."

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