VATICAN CITY, MAR 27, 2004 (VIS) - This afternoon the Pope celebrated Mass in the Paul VI Hall for the faithful of the Roman parishes St. John of the Cross, St. Felicity and the Seven Brothers Martyrs and Sts. Chrysanthus and Daria.
In the homily, the Holy Father said that the parishioners had prepared for this gathering by reflecting on the "pastoral priorities and the most urgent and important apostolic challenges." They arrived at the conclusion that "for incisive Christian witness in today's world promoting fraternal communion among all members of the parish is indispensable."
"A united parish," he continued, "in which the diversity of ministries and charisms is respected, shows its face as an embracing family, uniquely inspired by the desire to announce and bear witness to the Gospel! Continue on this path, dear brothers and sisters!"
John Paul II reiterated his invitation to "set out into the deep" and urged the faithful "to worry about those who are far from the faith, in addition to those who are believers. In the first place, take special care of families and young people. May the privileged objective of your evangelical activity be the pastoral care of young people. ... Furthermore, never tire of nurturing vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life with prayer and example. ... In addition, be attentive to the spiritual and material needs of your brothers and sisters, near and far. In this respect, I thank you for the commitment that every community wanted to show me today in adopting a child in another country."
After urging them to allow themselves to be "conquered by Christ," he concluded by saying: "May His word of salvation and merciful love penetrate your consciences and guide you in your daily decisions. ... It is necessary to spread the Gospel to many people who are waiting for it perhaps without even knowing it. Christ is counting on you. Do not let Him down!"
HML/.../ROMAN PARISHES VIS 20040329 (330)
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