CARDINAL BAUM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AS A PRIEST

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Pope John Paul to Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, major penitentiary, who tomorrow will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. It was written in Latin and is dated April 6.

Cardinal Baum was born in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. in 1926. He was ordained a priest on May 12, 1951, for the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and was ordained a bishop on February 18, 1970. He is archbishop emeritus of Washington. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI in the consistory of May 24, 1976. Since April 6, 1990 he has been major penitentiary.

The cardinal is a member of the following; the Council of the Second Section of the Secretariat of State; the Congregations for Oriental Churches, for the Evangelization of Peoples and for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.

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ALL BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO THE EVANGELIZING MISSION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received members of the Superior Council of the Pontifical Missionary Works, accompanied by Council President Archbishop Charles Schleck, on the occasion of their annual assembly.

After recalling that "mission is a duty of all believers," John Paul II urged those present to "dedicate yourselves unceasingly to missionary activity, formation, and cooperation; have the courage to dare and the wisdom of discernment, planning and developing every useful initiative in the service of Christ."

The Holy Father thanked all those who, despite difficulties, "persevere in announcing and witness, regardless of risks, and even ready to sacrifice their lives. God will not fail to give them His presence and His consolation. How many times does the death of these witnesses to the faith open unexpected possibilities for the Gospel of love and peace! This invincible passion for Christ is a singular and eloquent testimony for the men of our time."

"All believers," the Pope continued, "are called to 'prepare the way of the Lord', abandoning all fears and hesitations. All are invited to welcome, though conscious of their own poverties, the invitation of Christ: 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation'."

In conclusion, John Paul II emphasized that "Jesus calls us and sends us out as he did with the Apostles; He does not choose us based on our merits or our works. ... Only 'armed' with His grace can we carry the Good News to the furthest ends of the earth. Difficulties and obstacles will not stop us, because the Father's love for all of humankind will be our continual support."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggen, apostolic nuncio in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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PAPAL TELEGRAM FOR STADIUM TRAGEDY IN ACCRA, GHANA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2001 (VIS) - The following telegram was sent yesterday afternoon by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, in the name of Pope John Paul, to Archbishop Dominic Kodwo Andoh of Accra, Ghana, for the disaster which occurred at a soccer stadium:

"Saddened by news of the great loss of life in the tragedy which occurred last night in the sports stadium in Accra, the Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to President Kufuor and to the families of the victims. He prays for the eternal repose of the dead and he implores God's gifts of consolation and peace on all who mourn."

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