ROME SANITATION WORKERS VISIT THE POPE'S NATIVITY SCENE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 5, 2003 (VIS) - From the beginning of his papacy, John Paul II always visited the Nativity Scene of the Rome Sanitation Department Workers. This year, he invited them to visit his Nativity Scene in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

During the brief encounter in the Clementine Hall, the Holy Father said that this year he did not personally see their Nativity Scene, but was satisfied in admiring it "in a photograph (...) as well as in a small reproduction of it, built with the same materials. However, at the end of the Christmas festivities, I wished to invite you in answer to your courtesy."

John Paul II thanked them for having accepted his invitation and for "the important service their company makes for the city and its population. May God help you to do this with commitment."

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