THE FAITH-LIFE RELATION: A GREAT CHALLENGE OF EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, NOV 11, 2001 (VIS) - At 9:30 this morning, the Holy Father visited the Roman parish of Santa Maria Mater Dei, where he celebrated the Eucharist. This is the 298th Roman parish that he has visited since the beginning of his pontificate and as bishop of Rome.

The Pope affirmed that this Sunday's liturgy invites us to reflect on the resurrection of the dead. He underscored that "We repeat with firmness our faith in the resurrection of the dead in the face of the critical positions of contemporary thought as well. This is one of the fundamental points of Christian teaching, which illuminates with consoling light our entire earthly existence."

John Paul II reminded the parishioners that many professionals, journalists, and university professors live in their neighborhood. "This," he said, "offers the opportunity to develop a useful pastoral experience, involving these experts and practitioners of language and communication in programs of reflection and deeper study on the fundamental themes of Christian teaching. The relation between faith and life is today one of the most exacting challenges for the new evangelization."

The Pope asked the faithful to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Luigi Orione, "indefatigable apostle of charity and fidelity to the Church," to whom a Center in this area is dedicated. "Follow, dear people, in his footsteps, imitating him in filial obedience to the Church, in the untiring search for the good of souls, in attention to the poor and the needy."

Addressing the youth, the Pope asked them to be "missionaries" to their peers, "without becoming discouraged in the face of difficulties and seeking forms of evangelization suitable to the world of young people. ... to realize a fruitful apostolate, be faithful to prayer and remain anchored to the solid rock which is Christ."

The Holy Father concluded inviting the youth to prepare for the next World Youth Day, which will be celebrated in Toronto, Canada, in July 2001.

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