AUDIENCE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 22, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19990922;Word: 20;

MASS FOR DECEASED POPES PAUL VI AND JOHN PAUL I

VATICAN CITY, SEP 21, 1999 (VIS) - On Tuesday September 28 at 6 p.m., at the alter of the cathedra in St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside, in the Pope's name, at a Mass for Popes Paul VI and John Paul I.

...;MASS DECEASED POPES;...;GANTIN;VIS;19990921;Word: 60;

TELEGRAM FOR EARTHQUAKE IN TAIWAN

VATICAN CITY, SEP 21, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano today sent, in the name of the Holy Father, the following telegram to Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi S.J., bishop of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for the earthquake that struck that country:

"Deeply saddened by the news of the heavy loss of life and injury caused by the earthquake which struck Taiwan this morning, the Holy Father is close to the entire population and asks you to convey his sympathy to all affected by this tragedy. His Holiness commends the victims to Almighty God and invokes upon the injured and homeless abundant divine gifts of comfort, courage and strength. He prays that the Lord will sustain the efforts of all those engaged in rescue efforts, in comforting bereaved families and meeting the urgent needs of all those involved. I join in assuring you of my own prayers."

TGR;EARTHQUAKE TAIWAN;...;SODANO; SHAN KUO-HSI;VIS;19990921;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, SEP 21, 1999 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Alfred Leo Abramowicz, former auxiliary of Chicago, U.S.A., on September 12, aged 80.
- Archbishop Romolo Carboni, former apostolic nuncio, on September 2, aged 88.
- Archbishop Georges Garmo of Mossul of the Chaldeans, Iraq, on September 9, aged 77.
- Bishop Philip Francis Murphy, auxiliary of Baltimore, U.S.A., on September 2, aged 66.
- Archbishop Geraldo de Provenca Sigaud S.V.D., emeritus of Diamantina, Brazil, on September 5, aged 89.

...;DEATHS;...;... ;VIS;19990921;Word: 60;

JOHN PAUL II ADDRESSES NATIONAL SYNOD OF SLOVENIA

VATICAN CITY, SEP 19, 1999 (VIS) - In late afternoon, following lunch with the bishops of Slovenia and the cardinals who had come to Maribor for the papal visit, John Paul II went to the city's cathedral where he prayed at the tomb of Blessed Anton Martin Slomsek and then addressed the delegates of the national synod, whose theme is "Choose Life."

Also present for the papal discourse were government officials as well as a group of university rectors of central Europe, gathered to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the founding of the theology faculty in Maribor.

The Holy Father, in his speech, emphasized that a synod is an expression of communion, one "in which is represented the entire community: pastors, religious and laity. The latter, in particular, are asked to give a specific contribution, above all on those themes which more closely concern them in their experience in the world and in their mission."

He encouraged them to "evangelize, to announce to everyone the joyous news of salvation in Christ. ... To do this, don't be afraid to ask for the conditions of freedom necessary to undertake the mission of the Church. If, as citizens, Christians have the duty to contribute to the good of all of society, as faithful they have the right not to be barred from their legitimate activity."

Then, addressing the entire Church in Slovenia, Pope John Paul exhorted it to "'Choose life'. Choose above everything else this most precious gift of God the Creator and Savior. Bring this gift to those who don't have the strength to pardon; to the men and women who have known the bitterness of failure in their marriage; bring it to young people, too often the victims of false idols; bring it to the families of Slovenia so that they might live with faith and generosity their commitment to mission; bring it to everyone who collaborates in the work of the Kingdom of God, so they do not get discouraged in the face of difficulties; bring it to everyone who contributes with their work, and in particular by taking on public responsibilities, for the common good of citizens."

After his talk at the cathedral, the Pope went to Maribor Airport, where, prior to his 7:30 p.m. departure for Rome, he was greeted by Church and civil officials, including President Milan Kucan of Slovenia.

PV-SLOVENIA;SYNOD;...;MARIBOR;VIS;19990920;Word: 390;