PARISHES MUST BE TRUE FRONTIERS OF EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 26, 2000 (VIS) - This morning on the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, the Pope received groups of Italian pilgrims from the archdiocese of Vercelli and the diocese of Cremona, as well as from various parishes.

John Paul II referred to the concern of the faithful from Vercelli for "activity in parishes, which are called to be true frontiers of evangelization and to have the capacity to adapt to changing social conditions. ... This task calls for courage and prudence, holiness of life and tireless dedication to announcing the Good News: through catechesis, liturgical life and the witness of charity."

The Pope requested faithful from the diocese of Cremona that the experience of having passed through the Holy Door of the Vatican Basilica and of having professed "with great ardor ... faith in Christ, Son of God, and in His Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic ... may sustain your witness to the Gospel and may act as a guide in the new pastoral year that the diocese is about to start."

At the end of the audience, the Pope greeted faithful from various Italian parishes: "May the moment of intense spirituality, that you most certainly have had the grace of experiencing in your Jubilee, spur you to be strong in faith, cheerful in hope and persevering in charity. Always be witnesses of evangelic joy and fraternal solidarity."

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