VATICAN CITY, APR 3, 2004 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed a group of 500 faithful from the Vatican City parish church of St. Anne as celebrations get underway to mark the 75th anniversary of the parish, instituted by Pope Pius XI on May 30, 1929 with the Apostolic Constitution "Ex Lateranensi pacto." Among those present were a number of Augustinians, to whom the church is entrusted, including the pastor, Father Gioele Schiavella, representatives of religious who work in the parish and the lay faithful.
The Pope recalled that "following the stipulations of the (1929) Lateran Pacts which constituted Vatican City State, Pius XI wanted to provide for the spiritual life of the faithful living in the territory of the new State and entrusted the parish to the pastoral care of the Augustinian Order." Over time, he said, and "thanks to everyone's efforts, the Church of St. Anne has become an oasis of the spirit where prayer and participation in liturgical celebrations are led with great decorum and devotion."
"I also know," added the Holy Father, "that within the parish there are many groups dedicated to many different apostolic and evangelizing activities," especially to caring for "our neediest brothers and sisters." He said that this anniversary is "an occasion to thank God for the rich past experiences" but also "to become stimulated and encouraged to pursue the path undertaken."
"Dear brothers and sisters," said John Paul II in closing, "I feel especially united to your church, which is right at the entrance to the Vatican."
AC/ANNIVERSARY VATICAN PARISH/.... VIS 20040405 (270)
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