JOHN PAUL II THANKS AUSTRIANS FOR CHRISTMAS TREE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed a delegation from the Austrian province of Carinthia and from the Church of Gurk-Klagenfurt in Austria, and thanked them for the Jubilee Year Christmas tree which they donated for St. Peter's Square, fulfilling a promise made three years ago.

He had "a special greeting for Bishop Egon Kapellari and all the pilgrims, among whom is the regional governor of Carinthia with an official delegation amd the mayor of Gurk with a group from City Hall."

John Paul II said that, "when in past days I looked out of my study window to St. Peter's Square, the tree inspired me spiritually. I always loved trees in my own country. When one looks at them, they start, in a certain way, to speak. A poet once considered trees as preachers with a deep message: 'They don't preach doctrines or precepts, but announce the fundamental law of life'.

"In the flowering in the springtime, maturing in the summer, in the fruits of autumn and in dying in the winter, a tree tells the mystery of life."

"As do trees," the Pope went on, "men also need deeply anchored roots. Only those rooted in fertile soil have stability. ... He who believes he can live without foundations, lives an uncertain existence which resembles roots without earth."

He closed with a reference to Adam, in the Garden of Eden, as he ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge and to Christ, who died on the tree of the Cross: "From the tree of paradise came death, from the tree of the Cross came life."

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EUROPE MUST RECOVER SPIRITUAL PATRIMONY IN RIGHTS CHARTER

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Pope John Paul to Cardinal Antonio Maria Javierre Ortas, who today is presiding at an academic meeting in the Old Synod Hall dedicated to the 1200th anniversary of the crowning of the Emperor Charlemagne by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day 800. The meeting was organized by the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences.

"The commemoration of this historical event," the Pope wrote, "coincides with the decisive phase of the drafting of the European Union's Charter of Basic Rights" and "it invites us to reflect on the value which the cultural and religious reform promoted by Charlemagne has even today." He highlighted how this reform was a "remarkable synthesis between the culture of classical antiquity, predominantly Roman, and that of the Germanic and Celtic peoples, a synthesis based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Underscoring that "the Charter of Basic Rights is an attempt to synthesize once again ... the basic values which must inspire the coexistence of European peoples," the Holy Father added: "I cannot hide my great disappointment for the fact that not even one reference to God, Who is the supreme source of the dignity of the human person and his basic rights, was inserted into the text. We cannot forget that it was the denial of God and His commandments which created, in the last century, the tyranny of idols, expressed in the glorification of a race, of a class, of the State, of the nation, of the party, instead of the true and living God."

"Notwithstanding many noble efforts," John Paul II went on, "the text of the Charter of Basic Rights, has not satisfied the just expectations of many people. The defense of the rights of the person and the family, in particular, could have been more courageous. ... In many European States they are threatened, for example, by policies favoring abortion, which is legalized almost everywhere, by attitudes which consider euthanasia as ever more possible and, finally, by certain projects of law in the matter of genetic technology which are not sufficiently respectful of the human quality of the embryo."

In closing, the Pope recalled that "Europe, in the search for its identity, must make an energetic efforts to recover the cultural patrimony left by Charlemagne and preserved for more than a millennium."

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JUBILEE PILGRIMS RECEIVED BY THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope received groups of pilgrims from a number of Spanish dioceses, participants in the Jubilee of Fashion, members of the Federation of Italian Fishing Industries and faithful from various Italian parishes.

The Pope greeted pilgrims from Spanish dioceses, including a group from the archdiocese of Toledo led by Archbishop Francisco Alvarez Martinez, who this morning had participated in a Eucharistic celebration in the Hispanic-Mozarabic rite in the Vatican Basilica.

After recalling the Eucharistic celebration in the Spanish-Mozarabic rite that he presided in 1992, John Paul II said: "In the face of the great modern-day challenges you must draw on the abundant spiritual and cultural treasures (of the Mozarabic liturgy) as an aid to strengthen the Christian faith of your people and, at the same time, a secure guide for orienting evangelization in the third millennium in harmony with the spirituality of your ancestors and the characteristics of the Spanish people. Beloved children of Toledo and Spain, do not fear the great trials of the present!"

The Pope told those who work in fashion: "In your work, which calls for imagination and taste, try and transmit love of beauty to others. For this to happen fully, always be animated by those sound moral principles that make up the heritage of every truly human culture."

The Pope then addressed members of the Federation of Italian Fishing Industries: "The sea represents a beautiful image of this world in which our existence unfolds. Humanity plows through the billows of time, advancing towards the shores of eternity. ... I hope that all of you may live your relationship with our natural resources in full respect for the marine environment."

The Pope also had words for the promoters and organizers of the so-called "Derby of the Heart"; a soccer match between a team of singers and one of actors which will take place next Tuesday in Rome's Olympic Stadium. He praised their initiative of sending the funds collected from the event to children who are suffering or in danger, and expressed his desire that this "be a simple but effective contribution that breaks down all barriers of social discrimination and that causes a culture of welcome and solidarity to grow."

Finally, the Holy Father greeted faithful from various Italian dioceses and the "united Scouts" of France.

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TO ENTERTAINERS: BEAR IN MIND THE RIGHTS OF YOUR PUBLIC

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2000 - This morning in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II presided at a Eucharistic celebration marking the Jubilee of the World of Entertainment. Those present included cinema and theatre actors, directors, scriptwriters, dancers, television presenters, circus artists and strolling players.

At the start of his homily, the Pope recalled that this, the third Sunday of Advent, "is characterized by joy, the joy of those who await He who 'is close', God-with-us, foretold by the prophets. This is the 'great joy' of Christmas of which we have a foretaste today."
"Moreover, this joy that springs from divine grace is not a superficial and ephemeral happiness; it is a deep joy, rooted in the heart and capable of pervading a believer's entire existence. ... Though the place of Christian joy lies at a more directly spiritual level, it also comprehends wholesome entertainment that benefits both body and spirit. Consequently, society should be grateful to those who produce and create intelligent and entertaining transmissions and programs, that amuse without causing alienation, that are humorous but not vulgar. Spreading true happiness can be a form of true social charity."

The Pope requested the representatives of the world of entertainment to, in their work, "always bear in mind your public, their rights and legitimate aspirations, especially when those people are still being formed. Do not let yourselves be conditioned by mere economic and ideological interests."

He asked the best known personalities "to be constantly aware of their responsibility. People look to you, dear friends, with affection and interest. Always represent positive and coherent models for them, capable of infusing faith, optimism and hope. Precisely because you work with images, gestures and sounds, you must be men and women with strong interior lives."

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TELEGRAM FOR CLOSING OF CHERNOBYL POWER PLANT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the text of the English language telegram sent by the Holy Father to President Leonid Kuchma, president of the Republic of Ukraine, upon the closing of the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl:

"Having learned of the wise decision of your government to close the nuclear plant in Chernobyl I wish to associate myself with all those in your country and throughout (the) world (who) are pleased by this significant move.

"In this Jubilee year when we celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Redeemer of man, it is highly encouraging that your peace, giving to your compatriots and the whole world a sign of hope for a more secure and fraternal world.(sic) "Looking forward to my visit to the beloved Ukrainian nation, I invoke upon your person, your family and all the citizens of your country the abundance of divine assistance."

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SLOVAKIA SIGNS ACCORD, POPE WELCOMES DELEGATION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed a delegation from Slovakia, in Rome to celebrate the November 24 signing of a Basic Agreement between the Holy See and the Slovakian Republic. The delegation included the country's president, the ambassador to the Holy See, Cardinal Jan Chryzostom Korec, the apostolic nuncio and members of the episcopal conference.

The Pope addressed those present in Slovakian, telling them that "the basic reason for collaboration between Church and State is the good of the human person. This cooperation must care for and guarantee the rights of man. A Church which enjoys the full liberty which is her due is placed in the best circumstances to cooperate together with all the other living forces of society 'for the spiritual and material good of the human person and the common good', as is stated1 in the Agreement's preamble."

John Paul II concluded in expressing the hope that the Agreement "might contribute to the consolidation of social ties and spiritual and material development of the Slovakian society."

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POPE IS ENTERTAINED BY CIRCUS PEOPLE, BANDS, JUGGLERS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning, before praying the angelus, greeted in several languages the faithful present for the Jubilee of the World of Entertainment, the last Jubilee Year 2000 celebration for a specific group. As is traditional on the third Sunday of Advent, the Pope also blessed the statues of Baby Jesus brought by Rome's children to St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father was entertained by members of circus troupes, itinerant jugglers, majorettes and musical bands. He also personally greeted numerous people from the world of entertainment.

"I have special thoughts," he said, "for those of you who are itinerant because you work in circuses, amusements parks and on the streets. Your travels have today become a pilgrimage and remind us that the Church is a people who are always on the move, without a fixed home in this world. Be a Christian community and bring everywhere, along with wholesome entertainment, the values of faith, the family, and solidarity."

The Pope also thanked the members of various bands for their "music which brightened this celebration. Their presence is especially in harmony with the climate of this Sunday which, in the liturgy, is known as Gaudete Sunday, that is, Sunday of joy."

Then, blessing the statues of Baby Jesus which the children will place in the nativity scenes of their homes, the Holy Father said: "I hope that, as they gather around the stupendous sign of God's tenderness, families find happiness and peace and enjoy in simplicity the genuine spirit of Christmas festivities."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audience:

- Rudolf Schuster, president of the Slovak Republic, accompanied by his wife.
- Archbishops Jose Saraiva Martins and Edward Nowak and Msgr. Michele Di Ruberto, respectively prefect, secretary and under-secretary of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
On Saturday, December 16, he received in separate audiences

- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Epsicopal Conference.
- Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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PROMULGATION OF DECREES BY CONGREGATION FOR CAUSES OF SAINTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2000 (VIS) - Today in the Consistory Hall, the following decrees were promulgated in the presence of the Holy Father, John Paul II, the members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the postulators of the respective causes:

- Five decrees regarding miracles attributed to:
- Blessed Giuseppe Marello, bishop of Acqui, Italy, and founder of the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph (1844-1895).
- Blessed Teresa Eustochio (nee Ignazia Verzeri), Italian, virgin, foundress of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1801-1852).
- Blessed Francesca Salesia, French, (nee Leonia Aviat), virgin, foundress of the Congregation of the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis of Sales (1844-1914).
- Blessed Maria Crescenzia, German, (nee Anna Hoss), professed nun of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis (1682-1744).
- Servant of God Emilia Tavernier, widow Gamelin, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Montreal, Canada, (1800-1851).

- Seven decrees regarding the martyrdom of the Servants of God:
- Jose Aparicio Sanz and 73 companions, diocesan priests, laymen and women, killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain, 1936.
- Vicente Cabanes Badenas and 18 companions, Capuchin Teritiaries, and Maria Carmela Garcia Moyon, lay woman, killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain, 1936.
- Juan Maria de la Cruz (ne Mariano Garcia Mendez), priest of the Congregation of Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1891-1936). Killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain.
- Francisco de Paula Castello y Aleu, layman, (1914-1936). Killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain.
- Maria del Patrocinio de San Juan (nee Maria Giner Gomes) professed nun of the Congregation of the Missionary Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) (1874-1936). Killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain.
- Rosario de Soano (nee Petra Maria Vittoria Quinitana Argos) and two companions, Capuchin Tertiaries of the Holy Family, killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain.
- Josefa de San Juan de Dios Ruano Garcia and Maria Dolores de San Eulalia Puig Bonay, professed nuns of the Congregation of Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, killed for the faith during religious persecution under the Second Republic in Spain.

- Seven decrees regarding the heroic virtues of the following Servants of God:
- Vendelino Vosnjak, priest of the Order of Friars Minor (1861, Slovenia - 1933, Croatia).
- Giuseppe Ghezzi, Italian, professed layman of the Order of Friars Minor (1872-1955).
- Liberata del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (nee Liberata Orozco Santa Cruz), Mexican, foundress of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge (1834-1926).
- Maria Pilar Izquierdo Albero, Spanish foundress of the Missionary Works of Jesus and Mary, (1906-1945).
- Sanzia Szymkowiak (nee Giannina), Polish, professed nun of the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows (1910-1942).
- Maria Candida Dell'Eucaristia (nee Maria Barba), Italian, professed nun of the Order of Discalced Carmelites (1884-1949).
- Maria Romero Meneses professed nun of the Institute of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (1902, Nicaragua -1977, Costa Rica).

Among those present were Cardinals Edmund Casimir Szoka and Henri Schwery, and Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of Strasbourg, France, presented by Auxiliary Bishop Leon Hegele, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Christian Kratz, pastor of Saint Symphronien, as auxiliary bishop of Strasbourg (area 8,280, population, 1,713,416, Catholics 1,368,000, priests 1,009, permanent deacons 45, religious 2,450), France. The bishop-elect was born in Strasbourg in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1978.

- Appointed Bishop Edwin Regan of Wrexham, Wales, as apostolic administrator "sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the archdiocese of Cardiff (area 3,064, population 1,596,100, Catholics 83,023, priests 126, permanent deacons 1, religious 207), Wales.

On Saturday, December 16, it was made public that he:

- Appointed Fr. Luis Felipe Gallardo Martin del Campo S.D.B., inspector of the province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico, as bishop prelate of Mixes (area 10,000, population 196,200, Catholics 188,400, priests 26, permanent deacons 19, religious 59), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born in Irapuato, Mexico, in 1941 and ordained a priest in 1967. He succeeds Bishop Braulio Sanchez Fuentes S.D.B., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same territorial prelature the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Gustavo Arturo Help, pastor in the diocese of Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, as bishop of Venado Tuerto (area 14,000, population 216,000, Catholics 207,000, priests 44, religious 52), Argentina. The bishop-elect was born in Banfield, Argentina, in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1972. He succeeds Bishop Paulino Reale whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

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