JOHN PAUL II PRESIDES AT MASS FOR ROMAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in St. Peter's Basilica, John Paul II presided at the annual mass for students who attend Roman universities. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, celebrated the Eucharist.

The homily, given by the Holy Father, focused on the Book of Consolation of Isaiah who prophesies "Christ's birth, a consoling announcement for all humanity" when the "'Lord's glory will be revealed and every man will see'."

In this context, the Pope spoke about the "glory of God and of man", recalling that since the times of Nebuchadnezzar "nothing withstands God. Only He with his omnipotence ... guides the destiny of man and history." Afterward, while reflecting on current times, he said: "How fragile are the powers that tried to impose their dominion! Science, technology, and culture, when they show pretensions of omnipotence, prove to be grass that dries out quickly, like a flower that withers away."

The prophet's words, continued the Pontiff, "do not mortify human liberty." On the contrary, they favor "the authentic promotion of man." In this way, "the pastoral care for university students that the Church ... promotes in centers of study and scientific research offers a great help."

Recalling his university experience, the Holy Father said that he learned through "daily contact with students and professors that an integral development that prepares students for life is necessary. Also necessary is an education that teaches them to assume responsibly their role in the family and society, with professional as well as human and spiritual competence . From those years, which have left a mark on my life, I learned useful lessons which I reflected upon in the book on Christian ethics entitled 'Love and Responsibility' and in the dramatic work on marriage 'The Jeweler's Shop'."

The Pope concluded by mentioning the Gospel read during the mass about the shepherd that leaves the flock to look for the one lost sheep. "God's omnipotence," he said, "... is full of mercy. It is a loving authority which is partial to the weakest and humblest. God does not consider humanity an anonymous mass, on the contrary he dwells on each individual and personally takes care of each person. Christ is the true shepherd who gathers his flock under his arm."

AC;MASS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS;...;...;VIS;20021211;Word: 400;