PREACHER OF PAPAL HOUSEHOLD GIVES FIRST LENTEN SERMON

VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 2003 (VIS) - This morning at 9 a.m. in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M.Cap., preacher of the Papal Household, gave the first of four Lenten sermons in the presence of Pope John Paul II. He spoke on the theme "Christ so loved His Church (Ephesians 5,25). A Reflection on the Mystery of the Church."

Cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and prelates of the Pontifical Family, the Roman Curia amd the Vicariate of Rome, are among those invited to be present at these weekly sermons which will continue on March 28 and on April 4 and 11.

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