POPE THANKS ST. PETER'S CIRCLE FOR SERVICE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 29, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father, during this morning's annual meeting with the members of St. Peter's Circle, which commemorates 130 years since its founding, thanked them for their "commitment to the poor and the dedicated service to the Church and the Pope."

The Pope recalled that among the different activities of the institution, there was "'Peter's Pence', which is collected yearly in Rome's churches, and which today you have come to present." He stated: "May the Lord reward you for this gesture of active concern for the Apostolic See!" Members also look after liturgical services in St. Peter's Basilica.

"My wish," added the Pontiff, "is that all the baptized may be inspired to a generous impulse to charity, in the likeness of the extraordinary love with which the Father gave his Only Son for the salvation of the world."

"Through your commitment to solidarity, recently enriched by the inauguration of the Welcome Center for free assistance to the terminally ill, particularly the destitute, and your service to the Apostolic See," concluded John Paul II, "you are called to show that tenderness which God has for each and every person."

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