MESSAGE TO MINISTERS OF THE SICK OF ST. CAMILLUS

VATICAN CITY, SEP 17, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II wrote a message to Sister Tomasina Gheduzzi, superior general of the Congregation of the Religious Ministers of the Sick of St. Camillus, and to the sisters who are celebrating their general chapter in Rome. The message, dated September 12, 2002, was published today.

Commenting on the theme of the general chapter entitled "Toward a new rule of life", the Holy Father writes: "The novelty that interests you is certainly not that of those who want to change the original orientation but, on the contrary, the fruit of rigorous and passionate research on the sources, a fruit that aspires to be, if it is possible, ever more faithful to its roots."

Afterward the Pope recalls Blessed Maria Domenica Brun Barbantini, foundress of the congregation, and he highlights that from the small group of women that wanted to be called "nurse oblates ... an Institute has developed today that is present in nine countries and three continents."

To be faithful to the vocation is "essential," continues John Paul II, "to feed life itself with prayer and especially ... with the Eucharist ... following the glowing example of St. Camillus de Lellis" and he invites the religious to "give witness to charity" with "incessant effort."

"Contemporary humanity," he writes, "exhausted by new and old misery and poverty, needs more than ever to experience the love and mercy of God. It needs to feel loved in order to accept life. You work in the midst of serious attacks on life ... Keep on working with generosity in this apostolic 'front'."

At the end, the Pope observes that in order to carry out that mission a "far-reaching" formation is necessary and that the general chapter has emphasized that priority. He concludes by reiterating the need to "foster the spiritual life ... the apostolic, professional and cultural dimension, as well as that of the specific charisma".

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VIETNAMESE CARDINAL NGUYEN VAN THUAN DIES AT 74

VATICAN CITY, SEP 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Pope sent various telegrams of condolence upon the death of Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan yesterday at age 74 in Rome. The late cardinal was president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

In the telegram sent to Bishop Paul Nguyen Van Hoa of Nha Trang, president of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam, the Holy Father recalls "this great priestly and episcopal figure of his country, who gave witness to his faith in Christ with exemplary fidelity and courage, being closely associated to his mission through his ministry and his passion due to the suffering that he endured. On the Pontifical Council, he was a craftsman, convinced and full of affection, of reconciliation, justice and peace among human beings and peoples. ... May his testimony strengthen and encourage pastors and the faithful in proclaiming the Gospel."

The Holy Father also wrote a telegram to the mother of the deceased cardinal and to Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, secretary of the dicastery, and other officials. In both, he emphasizes his heroic life and complete fidelity to the Church, including "during the hard time of persecution."

John Paul II will preside at the funeral of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan on the Altar of the Confession in the Vatican Basilica at 5:30 p.m. on September 20. The eucharistic liturgy will be celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, along with other cardinals.

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AIRPORT CHAPLAINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD MEET IN PARIS

VATICAN CITY, SEP 17, 2002 (VIS) - The 35th Annual Conference of the International Association of Chaplains of Civil Aviation whose theme is, "The airport, a border or a place of exchange among cultures and peoples," opened this morning in Paris in the headquarters of UNESCO. The conference will end on September 20th.

In addition to Msgr. Franco Follo, permanent observer of the Holy See to UNESCO, and Msgr. Anthony Chirayath, official of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, more than one hundred airport chaplains from all continents are participating in the conference.

In a message sent to participants, John Paul II encourages them to "to value the opportunities that airports can provide, working for greater solidarity among the millions of travellers who use them every day and among airport employees who spend long hours in them." The Pope expresses his desire that the conference "will find ways to enhance the role of airport chaplains and further promote the use of airport chapels as a service to people on the move."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
- Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio in the United States of America and permanent observer to the Organization of the American States.
- Archbishop Juliusz Janusz, apostolic nuncio in Mozambique.
- Three prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (West 1 - 2) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Jose Vieira de Lima, T.O.R., of Sao Luiz de Caceres. - Bishop Gentil Delazari of Sinop.
- Bishop Juventino Kestering of Rondonopolis.

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