POPE THANKS ST. PETER'S CIRCLE FOR UNSTINTING CHARITY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today welcomed 30 members of the presidency of St. Peter's Circle, and thanked them for their assistance during liturgical celebrations in St. Peter's Basilica, their cooperation in the new evangelization in Rome and their solidarity with the poor, marginalized, ill and needy. He also noted that their spiritual director, Bishop Ettore Cunial, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Members of St. Peter's Circle for the past 130 years have dedicated themselves to professing their faith through works of charity and assistance, such as volunteering in soup kitchens in Rome. They meet annually on or near the February 22 feast of the Chair of Peter and present their financial offering, Peter's Pence, to the Holy Father to assist him in his ministry to the Universal Church.

John Paul II pointed out "the well known and growing needs of the apostolate, of the ecclesial community, especially in mission lands, the requests for help that come from populations, individuals and families that live in precarious conditions. So many await support from the Apostolic See that often they do not find elsewhere."

"Seen this way, Peter's Pence is a true and real participation in evangelization," the Pope said, and "a concrete sharing in the concerns of the Universal Church."

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