PAPAL MESSAGE TO MINIMS FOR MARCH OF PENANCE

VATICAN CITY, APR 1, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Pope to Fr. Giuseppe Fiorini Morosini, superior general of the Order of Minims, on the occasion of the first March of Penance, organized by the youth branch of the Order, which will take place tomorrow in the Italian city of Paola. It was here on March 27, 1416 that the founder of the Minim priests, lay brothers and sisters, St. Francis of Paola, was born.

In his Message, John Paul II greeted the members of the Order and the organizers of the march, and imparted his apostolic blessing on their endeavor. He noted that "the opportune manifestation is taking place this year in a period marked by numerous concerns and sufferings, also because of the war underway. It is, therefore, an even more opportune occasion to invite people to reflect and to implore for all of mankind the fundamental gift of peace. It is taking place, in a certain way, in ideal continuity with the 'Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace' that began Lent this year.

"These strong spiritual moments help us to become ever more aware of the urgent need to build peace, even at the cost of personal sacrifices. One must be willing to give up even something that is legitimate, with a view to a superior good. Above all one must be aware of all that can be obtained from God through prayer."

The Holy Father remarked that St. Francis of Paola, "who lived at a time of hardships and problems caused by the persistence of various conflicts, committed himself to work for peace, doing penance as well as mediating for the parties in conflict. In 1494, while dark clouds were forming over Italy, he confided: 'I am working tirelessly for peace'. He defined peace as 'the greatest treasure that a people can have' and 'a holy good that merits being acquired at a high price."

In concluding remarks, the Pope said he "hoped with all his heart that the March of Penance will contribute to helping the consciences of the new generations mature in a sincere desire for peace, to be fed with an itinerary of personal self-denial in a spirit of penance."

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