ANGELUS: THE EVANGELICAL HEROISM OF ST. STEPHEN

VATICAN CITY, DEC 26, 2001 (VIS) - At midday today, the feast of St. Stephen protomartyr, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study in order to pray the angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"The gentle atmosphere of light and joy typical of Christmas," said the Pope, "extends into today's liturgical feast. ... We continue to meditate on the mystery of Christmas and upon the demanding requirements that arise therefrom."

He went on: "The words pronounced by the angels in Bethlehem ... also resound in our own time. They invite us not to fear because the Messiah is born for us. ... His birth constitutes a priceless gift that, if fully understood and accepted, changes peoples lives and renders them capable of the evangelical heroism of saints.

"This message also comes to us from the protomartyr, St. Stephen," concluded John Paul II. "This young deacon was outstanding for his courage and the constancy with which he announced the Gospel to his countrymen and rendered loving service to the poor. His martyrdom reminds us that the Baby Jesus, from the stable where He lay defenseless ... called us to follow him step by step ... to the cross, so as to share with Him the triumphant victory over death."

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