OLDER PEOPLE ARE A BLESSING FOR EVERY FAMILY, COMMUNITY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 17, 2000 (VIS) - Following Mass for the Jubilee of the Elderly, and prior to reciting the angelus today, Pope John Paul greeted those present in St. Peter's Square in seven languages. He said: "Before I impart the final blessing, I would like once again to greet each of you and, with you, give thanks to God who allowed us to reach the year 2000 and to celebrate the Great Jubilee."

He expressed "appreciation to all those who so generously accompanied and assisted you during your Jubilee. And how can I fail to underline the contribution of thousands of choir singers who, with their songs, made this celebration so beautiful and solemn? Your harmonious voices, rising from this square towards heaven, have given our prayers a singular intensity which surely has been echoed in God's Heart. Truly 'who sings, prays twice'!"

The Holy Father observed that "the serene presence of older people is a blessing for every family and community. You are the ones who have struggled long and hard to pass on a better world to the young. May you experience the loving respect and care of those close to you! God bless you always!"

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