VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2002 (VIS) - Today, the third Sunday in Advent, traditionally called Gaudete (Joy) Sunday, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in the Paul VI Hall for the community of the Roman parish of St. John Nepomucene Neumann.
The Pope affirmed in the homily that "in the face of the difficulties of life, uncertainties and fears for the future and the temptation to get discouraged and disappointed, the Word of God once again puts forth the 'joyful proclamation' of salvation. ... May this joy, precursor of the joy of Christmas which is near, penetrate our hearts and every sphere of our existence."
After recalling that the parish, founded two years ago, "still does not have a suitable cultural center", John Paul II said: "Precisely on this third Sunday in Advent, the diocese celebrates a day of prayer and awareness so that all areas of the city, especially those on the outskirts, may have a church with the necessary facilities in order to carry out liturgical, formative and pastoral activities. I hope," he added, "that you also may be able to realize this project as soon as possible, without losing the missionary style that in these years has made your parochial life lively and dynamic."
The Holy Father urged the parishioners to take special care of children and adolescents "so that they do not want for attention, friendship and faith. Support families, in particular those that are young and those that are poor or experiencing difficulties."
Referring at the end to St. John Nepomucene, "this figure of missionary Bishop and extraordinary pioneer of the Gospel in North America in the second half of the nineteenth century", he concluded: "Imitate his zeal for proclaiming the Gospel and his ardent love for the Church and for those in need."
HML;...;...;ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE;VIS;20021216;Word: 310;
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