MAKE THE CHURCH THE HOME AND SCHOOL OF COMMUNION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2003 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pope received participants in the national congress promoted by the Italian National Federation of the Apostolic Union of the Clergy and representatives of the new Apostolic Union of Lay people.

After mentioning the theme on which they are reflecting, "In local Churches in the way of Trinitarian Communion: diocesan spirituality is spirituality of communion," the Holy Father said that "the mystery of Trinitarian Communion is the high model of reference of ecclesial communion."

John Paul II recalled that in the Apostolic Letter "Novo millennio ineunte" he wrote: "To make the Church the home and school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium now beginning." This involves, in the first place, 'promoting a spirituality of communion" which requires, he added, "a radical conversion to Christ, docile openness to the action of the Holy Spirit and a sincere acceptance of our brothers and sisters."

"The World Day of Prayer for the sanctification of the clergy, which by happy coincidence is celebrated today, constitutes a propitious occasion to implore the Lord for the gift of holy and zealous ministers for His Church."

The Pope underlined that "in order to realize this ideal of sanctity all priests must follow the example of the divine Master. ... Jose Maria Escriva, a saint of our times, writes that 'the Lord uses us as torches, to make the light shine out. Much depends on us; if we respond many people will remain in darkness no longer, but will walk instead along paths that lead to eternal life'."

"But," the Pope concluded, "where do we light these torches of light and of sanctity if not in Jesus' heart, inexaustable font of love?"

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