MAY THE JUBILEE PRODUCE COURAGEOUS EVANGELICAL WITNESS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received in audience four different groups of pilgrims. He expressed the hope that the Great Jubilee "may induce everyone to more ardent spiritual enthusiasm and to courageous evangelical witness."

The Pope asked the participants in the International Forum of Catholic Action, who are meeting in Rome, to continue to deepen "their search for God. Keep your spirits open to the great hopes and apostolic challenges of our time."

"If at times the progress of the communities in which you work should seem slow and arduous, do not be discouraged but redouble your love and your efforts so that, by the sanctity of your lives and your apostolic drive, you may render the Church's image ever more splendid."

He then greeted the participants in the seminar on debt reduction, organized by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which is underway in the Vatican. He referred to his Message addressed to them and added: "We cannot permit fatigue or inertia to weaken our commitment, when the lives of the poorest in our world are at stake."

John Paul II went on to address Cardinal Thomas Winning and the bishops, priests and seminarians of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome, which is celebrating the fourth centenary of its foundation. "During your years in Rome, in this city made holy by the blood of the martyrs and the lives of many other saintly men and women, I encourage you to follow their example by developing a deep intimacy with the Lord and becoming men of intense prayer. In your studies, seek always the truth and wisdom that will enable you to answer the fundamental questions affecting people's lives."

Finally, the Pope addressed the Sisters Servants of the Incarnation who this year are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the foundation of their institute: "Mindful of the modern relevancy of your charism, you have taken the message of the Incarnation, not only to various parts of Italy where you have long been involved in catechesis, in the formation of children and in assisting the sick and the elderly, but also to other countries, opening yourselves to a promising missionary horizon. May the Lord render fruitful your apostolic commitment."

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