POPE GREETS ITALIAN NAVY ON FEAST OF PATRON SAINT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2002 (VIS) - Officers and other members of the Italian Navy, together with their military ordinary, Italy's defense minister and the General Staff were welcomed in St. Peter's Basilica after the weekly general audience by John Paul II who recalled that today is the "liturgical memory of St. Barbara, your heavenly patroness."

He noted that the Navy gathers each year on this day "to celebrate, with special devotion, this saint who was a model of life and service, even for sailors. This young martyr gave a fearless witness in faith, not afraid to face death in order not to fail in her commitment of fidelity to Christ and the Gospel.

"You too, dear seamen, are called to give proof of your fidelity to God and your brothers, working generously as ministers of the security and freedom of your people, thus participating in an efficacious way in stability and peace. Your service, not without sacrifices, brings you in contact with persons and peoples of different cultures throughout the world."

"As Christians," stated the Holy Father, "you are asked to witness to the faith in a coherent way. To be efficacious instruments of peace in every milieu, maintain uninterrupted contact with Christ in prayer. Thus you will be able to indicate to others the path that leads to the Lord, the way, the truth and the life."

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