CHRIST, A MODEL WE MUST CONTEMPLATE AND IMITATE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 14, 2004 (VIS) - In today's general audience, celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope resumed his catechesis on the liturgy of Vespers. Today's theme was the canticle of the first letter of St. Peter which "focuses on Christ's glorious passion, as foreseen at His baptism in the Jordan."

Jesus, said the Pope, is revealed as "the 'chosen Son' in Whom God is well-pleased and the true 'Servant of Yahweh' Who frees men from sin through His passion and death on the cross."

John Paul II indicated that Christ "is a model for us which we must contemplate and imitate, the 'program' ... which we must carry out, the example we must follow without hesitation, while conforming ourselves to His will. The petrine hymn is a wonderful synthesis of Christ's passion, following the words and images of Isaiah on the figure of the suffering servant, the key to understanding the ancient Christian concept of the Messiah."

"The Lord's patient silence," he continued, "is not only an act of courage and generosity. It is also a gesture of faith in Peter. ... He has complete and perfect confidence in divine justice which guides history toward the triumph of the innocent."

The Pope affirmed that "at the height of the narration of the Passion the saving value of the supreme act of Christ's donation is emphasized: 'He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness'."

"Through this path," he concluded, "freed from the former man, with his evil and misery, we too can live for justice which is in essence holiness."
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POPE THANKS AIR FORCE FOR DEDICATION, COMMITMENT

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2003 (VIS) - Officials of the 31st division of the Italian Air Force, who accompany the Pope on his trips outside Rome, were welcomed to the Vatican this morning by John Paul II who wished them a Happy New Year and thanked them for "the dedication and commitment with which you have for years facilitated the ministry of the Successor of Peter."

"In recent days," he said, "the liturgy has invited us to contemplate Jesus Who became man and came among us. He is the light that illuminates and gives meaning to our existence; He is the Redeemer who brings peace to the world. Let us welcome Him with trust and joy! The Blessed Virgin Mary who, as a thoughtful mother, presents Him to us, also watches over us. I invite you to turn to her at every moment and to entrust the just-begun year of 2004 to her."
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SERVING THE TRUTH, A MARK OF THE NEW ARCHBISHOP

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2004 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed Archbishop Michael Miller, together with his Basilian brothers, family members and other friends who accompanied him to Rome for his episcopal ordination last evening in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pope noted that Archbishop Miller's episcopal motto, Veritati Servire, "to serve the truth," is an eloquent summary of the commitment that has marked his priestly life, both at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas, and during his five years of service at the Vatican. I am certain that this same dedication will continue to inspire and strengthen him as he now returns to Rome and takes up his duties as Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. With prayerful good wishes for his new ministry, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to him and to all here present."
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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Paul Fouad Tabet, apostolic nuncio in Greece.

- Archbishop Luigi Travaglino, apostolic nuncio.
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VATICAN CITY TRIBUNAL TO INAUGURATE 75TH YEAR

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2003 (VIS) - Friday, January 16, marks the inauguration of the 75th judicial year of the tribunal of Vatican City State, according to a communique published today by the tribunal.

Following a 9 a.m. Mass in the chapel of the Governorate officiated by Cardinal Edmund Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate, in the presence of Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, there will be a ceremony in the Audience Hall of the Tribunal that will include a report by the Promoter of Justice, Prof. Nicola Picardi, on the activity of several judicial bodies.

Top officials and magistrates of Vatican City and representatives of the Italian magistrature will be present.
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