HOLY FATHER RECALLS HIS PILGRIMAGE TO KRAKOW IN AUGUST

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2002 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience a group of faithful from the archdiocese of Krakow, with whom he recalled his pilgrimage to his native Poland this past August.

After reminiscing about his three-day stay in Krakow, the Pope said that his experiences "were re-awakened in a particular spiritual and theological context. They were continually inscribed in the immense mystery of Divine Mercy which we tried to study in depth, letting ourselves be carried with faith by the exceptional 'genius loci'."

John Paul II said that when he dedicated the Shrine of Divine Mercy, he was "aware that this place had a particular eloquence for the modern world. I did not hesitate in defining it as the world center of devotion to Divine Mercy, although I know that in different places around the world many shrines exist where Saint Faustina's message is spread, and where the faithful obtain so much grace."

"I cannot fail to mention Kalwaria Zebrzydowska," he added, "the shrine and its paths, which has also been a sign of Divine Mercy for four hundred years, thanks to Mary who was the first to participate in the fruits of the death and resurrection of her Son. I pray that in this shrine the faithful, looking toward Mary, learn to live the hope which we will find fulfilled in the house of the Father."

The Pope concluded by asking those present to convey his greetings to the inhabitants of Krakow, of the region of Malopolska and to all his compatriots: "Convey my gratitude for the spirit of prayer and the unforgettable atmosphere of faith that we lived during those days of the pilgrimage."

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