MASS FOR DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father presided at a Eucharistic concelebration for the repose of the souls of the cardinals, archbishops and bishops who have died during the Jubilee year.

In his homily, the Pope particularly recalled the deceased Cardinals "Paolo Dezza, Ignatius Kung Pin-Mei, Antony Padiyara, Bernardino Echeverria Ruiz, John Joseph O'Connor, Vincentas Sladkevicius, Paul Zoungrana, Augusto Vargas Alzamora, Vincenzo Fagiolo, Paul Gouyon, Egano Righi-Lambertini and Pietro Palazzini. Their memory, as well as that of all the late archbishops and bishops, comes to our mind. During their lives they announced the Gospel, built the Church, distributed the gifts of grace of the sacraments and did good."

John Paul II affirmed that man's "pilgrimage in the world is the time, that may be longer or shorter, given to us to know Christ and to grow in communion with Him. Those who believe in the incarnate Son of God will have eternal life; those who love Him must fear no difficulties; no obstacle can block those who are supported by Him. Christ is the fundamental aim of their lives."

"What a treasure faith is and how urgent is the task of announcing that faith to those who still do not have it! Man, thirsting for truth and love, must receive the word that explains, that assures that indicates the way. The word that heals. This word is the eternal Word who came from the bosom of the Father in order to bring life to us."

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