VATICAN CITY, MAR 6, 2005 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, as he did last Sunday, appeared briefly at his hospital window to wave to and bless the faithful gathered in the courtyard at Gemelli Hospital. Just prior to this, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute of the Secretariat of State, read the Pope's reflections, led the Angelus prayer and imparted, in the Pope's name, the apostolic blessing in St. Peter's Square.
The Holy Father followed the Angelus on television in his hospital suite, accompanied by doctors, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, secretary for Relations with States. Pilgrims in St. Peter's Square were linked to events at Gemelli by giant television screens.
"Today," said the Pope in his reflections, "I wish to renew expressions of my gratitude for the many signs of affection that reach me. I am thinking, in particular, of the many cardinals, bishops, priests and groups of faithful, of ambassadors and of the ecumenical delegations that have come these days to Gemelli Polyclinic.
"I especially wish to recognize the closeness of believers of other religions, most particularly Jews and Muslims. A number of them have wished to come and pray here at the hospital. For me this is a comforting sign, for which I thank God."
Referring to Lent, John Paul said: "We continue together our preparation for Easter, offering even our sufferings to God, for the good of mankind and for our purification. In today's Gospel message, Christ, in healing the blind man, presents Himself as 'the light of the world'. He came to open the eyes of man to the light of faith. Yes, dear ones, faith is the light that guides our path in life, it is the flame that comforts us in difficult moments."
"For believers, born into supernatural life through Baptism," he concluded, "Lent is a favorable time to 'come to light', that is, to be reborn in the Spirit, renewing our baptismal grace and commitment."
ANG/LENT:SUFFERING/GEMELLI VIS 20050307 (340)
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