CHURCH OF ISCHIA: BE DOCILE AND OBEDIENT TO THE WORD OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, MAY 5, 2002 (VIS) - Today at 9 a.m. the Pope travelled by helicopter from Vatican City to the Island of Ischia, thus beginning his 141st pastoral visit within Italy. Upon landing at a heliport specially prepared for the occasion, he was welcomed by the local civil and religious authorities. He then travelled by car to Aragon Square in the town of Ischia-Ponte where he celebrated Mass at 10:30 a.m.

In his homily, John Paul II addressed those present with "three important words" taken from today's biblical readings: The first was "listen!" Listening to the words of Philip "who speaks of Him with love and enthusiasm," said the Pope, "produces the immediate result of happiness. ... Christian community of Ischia, if you too want to experience this joy, keep listening to the word of God!"

The Holy Father then affirmed that the second word was "'welcome!' Your splendid island, which attracts so many visitors and tourists, well knows the value of welcome. Ischia can, then, become an exceptional workshop for that typical welcome that the disciples of Christ are called to extend to everyone, irrespective of their country or culture."

Referring to the third word, "love!" the Pope said: "'Listening' and 'welcoming' open the heart to love. ... When we experience the love of God, we are more disposed to follow Him Who loved His disciples 'to the end,' in other words, to the total giving of self. It is this love, today perhaps more than ever, that humanity needs, because only love is credible. It is the unshakable faith in this love that inspires the disciples of Jesus in all ages with thoughts of peace, opening horizons of forgiveness and harmony."

"Church of Ischia, be docile and obedient to the Word of God and you will be a laboratory of peace and authentic love. You will become an ever more welcoming Church where everyone feels at home. Those who come to visit will leave refreshed in body, but even more invigorated in spirit."

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