THANKS TO PREACHER OF THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, at the close of the spiritual exercises of the Pope and the Roman Curia in the Vatican's "Redemptoris Mater" chapel, John Paul II thanked, in the name of all the participants, the preacher, Cardinal Claudio Hummes O.F.M., archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Pope said: "These days of thoughtful contemplation have helped us to rediscover with joy the inexhaustible grace of the Christian and apostolic vocation. The Spirit has once again helped us understand that our entire life is centered on Christ, Who reveals the Father."

"Our profound awareness of being disciples - which, together with you dear Cardinal Hummes, we have revived - spurs us on to courageous dedication in our ministry at the service of the people of God. Each now returns to their own task. You too will return to your diocese. When you are once more among your own people, take to the faithful, especially children and those who suffer, the expression of my affection and the assurance of my prayers."

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