PAUL VI WAS AN INSPIRED PREACHER OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 6, 2000 (VIS) - During the Mass he celebrated this morning at Castelgandolfo and prior to his midday angelus, John Paul II recalled his predecessor, Pope Paul VI, who died on this day 22 years ago.

Prior to praying the angelus, the Pope spoke of today's feast, the Transfiguration of the Lord, that "Eastern and Western Christians celebrate on the same day." He said, "it calls to mind my beloved predecessor, Servant of God Paul VI, who died on August 6 1978 which, like today, fell on a Sunday. He was an inspired preacher of the Transfiguration, in which he beheld the whole of the mystery of Christ, true man and true God. To modern man, frequently bewildered by a thousand deceptive temptations, Paul VI indicates with passionate love and learned doctrine, Christ, 'Teacher, Pastor, Light of the soul'."

The Pope also reminded the faithful present that yesterday evening, in response to the call from Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, a prayer vigil had been celebrated in the Basilica of St. John Lateran "in communion of faith and intention" with representatives of other Churches. "The occasion," said the Pope, "provided an opportunity to highlight the common profession of faith in Jesus Christ, Son of God, and the will to obey His Gospel."

In closing, the Holy Father made reference to the forthcoming World Youth Day, due to take place in Rome from August 15 to 20: "Let us pray," he said, "that this important encounter at the heart of the Jubilee may be, for young people of the whole world, a great opportunity to renew their selfless adherence to Christ."

After the angelus, the Pope extended greetings in various languages to the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo.

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