VATICAN CITY, NOV 4, 2004 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Holy Father to Archbishop Carlo Ghidelli of Lanciano-Ortona, Italy, on the occasion of the first centenary of the dedication of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Bridge in Lanciano.
The Pope notes in the Message, dated October 4, that on this anniversary the archbishop has announced a special Marian-Eucharistic year.
After recalling that two Eucharistic miracles took place in the city of Lanciano, John Paul II says: "When I was archbishop of Krakow, I visited the church of St. Francis in Lanciano where the relics from the miracle from the eighth century are preserved."
The Holy Father urges the faithful "to be aware of the great favours that God" has granted them and he encourages them "to adore the Holy Eucharist not only in the Church where the miracle took place but in all the Churches in your beautiful region. I also join you, especially to ask Our Lord Jesus for the gift of many priestly vocations for the present and future of your diocesan community. I ask Our Lord to build up holy Christian families in your land."
The Pope invites young people to trust in God: "Choose him as your special friend, become His disciples by listening to and meditating on the Gospel, share it with your neighbour, especially with the needy and the poor, and I assure you that you will find what you need to fully live the ideals of your age."
MESS/DEDICATION BASILICA LANCIANO/GHIDELLI VIS 20041105 (270)
No comments:
Post a Comment