JUBILEE GREETINGS TO PILGRIMS FROM SENEGAL, SWITZERLAND

VATICAN CITY, SEP 2, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall, the Holy Father welcomed pilgrims from Senegal and Switzerland, all of whom are in Rome to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2000.

Addressing the Senegalese in French, the Pope underlined the importance of the Eucharist in the lives of Christians, saying: "May the Eucharist always be at the center of your lives: love it, adore it, celebrate it with respect and with faith!"

"The celebration of the great Jubilee," he continued, "is also an urgent appeal to conversion of hearts and a renewed commitment so that a true culture of fraternity and solidarity will be developed. I invite you to pursue, in collaboration with your fellow citizens, your courageous efforts to eradicate the sources of violence, rancor, and injustice which contribute to keeping still too many men and women in a state of poverty and on the margins of society."

"Dear brothers and sisters," stated John Paul II, "allow me to turn now to the youth of your communities. Do not resign yourselves to a world where man is not respected in his dignity or where violence and injustice prevent him from blossoming fully! With all of your energy make an effort to make this world ever more human and fraternal!"

Speaking German, the Pope then briefly greeted the Music Society of Breil/Dardin from Switzerland, thanking them for their presence in Rome for the Holy Year, and for bringing their instruments with them. He said that "who knows how to play music opens the door to the heart." And he asked them to remember St. Augustine's words: "Who sings, prays twice."

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