ANGELUS REFLECTIONS ON NEW BLESSEDS AND WOMEN'S DAY

VATICAN CITY, MAR 7, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father, in remarks made before reciting the angelus today, reflected on the just-concluded beatification ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica in which he proclaimed 10 new Blesseds, as well as tomorrow's Day of the Woman.

Speaking of the Blesseds, the Pope said that "in their witness shines the paschal light of Christ Who died and was raised from the dead, the light of love which defeats egoism and transforms human existence into a gift for God and one's brothers and sisters. Their example encourages us to decisively turn our steps towards the sanctity to which we are all called at Baptism. ... They show that it is possible to follow Christ in every state of life, drawing from Him the 'living waters' of the Holy Spirit, source of inner renewal, patience, joy and peace."

John Paul II then greeted the faithful who came for today's beatifications in Spanish, French and German.

Following the angelus and further greetings to pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square, the Pope added: "Tomorrow, March 8, Women's Day is celebrated. I would like to express the hope that this recurrence will be motive for a renewed reflection on the dignity and the role which the woman has in the family, in civil society and in the ecclesial community."

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