AUDIENCE WITH GROUPS OF JUBILEE PILGRIMS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 9, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today in St. Peter's Square, the Pope received numerous groups of pilgrims who have come to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee and meet the Holy Father.

Speaking to a group of taxi drivers and transport workers from various European countries, he said: "If you know how to communicate the joy of your faith and your Christian commitment, then you will perform a precious service of evangelization. In order for this to happen, you yourselves must not cease to grow in the knowledge of Christ and of His Gospel."

John Paul II then greeted members of the Federation of Christian Organizations of International Voluntary Service: "Your meritorious activity in support of developing countries arises from a deep-seated desire to put the Gospel of charity into practice."

He reminded members of the Christian Union of Business People and Managers that the aim of their association is "to know, implement and spread the Church's social doctrine, contributing to the construction of a more just and fraternal society by the Christian and professional formation of members."

Then, speaking French and German, the Pope greeted notaries from different European countries who are celebrating their Jubilee in Rome.

In Polish, the Pope addressed professors and students from the major seminary of Tarnow in Poland. He told the students that their preparation for the priesthood should be "a special path towards sanctity, towards a life of intimate interior union with Jesus Christ."

"Strengthened within and full of grace, you can respond to the gift of the priestly vocation with still greater fervor and generosity." He expressed the hope that they "remain faithful to their vocation to the end of their lives. ... The world has need of you, it has need of your sanctity and your authentic Christian witness. Carry the Gospel to the men and women of our time."

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