ANGELUS: SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO THE SICK AND IMPRISONED

VATICAN CITY, JUL 14, 2002 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy Father addressed pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the apostolic palace in Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus.

John Paul II wished all those who are on vacation "a serene and beneficial rest for the body and the spirit" and he remembered especially those who do not have the possibility to take a vacation.

"I am thinking especially about those who are in jail or in the hospital, or those who are alone at home. I want to assure them of my spiritual closeness, while I hope that they do not lack necessary help provided by friends. In addition, I express my appreciation for those, who with authentic human and Christian spirit, dedicate themselves to helping people in need, the sick and those who find themselves in difficulty."

The Pope recalled that today is the memorial liturgy of St. Camillo of Lellis, patron of the sick and their care-takers. He "consecrated himself totally to God", he said, and "founded a new order: Ministers of the Sick, later called 'Camilians.' They wear a big red cross on their chest, sown to their habit, to remind themselves and everyone that Christ is the divine doctor, the true saviour of humanity."

After greeting pilgrims in different languages, the Holy Father concluded by asking the Virgin to intercede "for the up-coming World Youth Day, so that it may be a rich experience of faith and of Christian commitment for the young people who gather in Toronto."

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