VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2004 (VIS) - Thanksgiving was the focus of reflections made today by Pope John Paul prior to praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square below his study window.
He noted that Italy "is celebrating a Day of Thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth harvested during the year. The principal celebration is taking place in Genoa which was chosen this year as 'the European capital of culture'. I gladly join the prayers of the Genoa ecclesial community and of all who work in various ways in the agricultural sector."
"For us Christians," said the Holy Father, "thanksgiving is fully expressed in the Eucharist. In every holy Mass, we bless the Lord, God of the universe, presenting Him with bread and wine, 'fruits of the earth and the work of human hands'. To these simple foods Christ bound His sacrificial oblation. United to Him, believers also are called to offer God their lives and their daily work."
The Pope closed by asking "Mary, Mother of Divine Providence, to teach us to be grateful to the Lord for all that nature and human labor produce for our sustenance, to make us ready to share our resources with those in need."
ANG/THANKSGIVING/... VIS 20041115 (220)
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