"I HAVE COME TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE GREEK CATHOLICS"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope visited the cemetery of Belu where, among others, a number of bishops are buried who were victims of communist persecution. Later he went to St. Joseph's Cathedral where at 10:30 a.m. he presided at the divine liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Lucian Muresan of Fargas and Alba Julia, together with other bishops and priests.

The cathedral, of Latin rite, was constructed between 1875 and 1884 and has space for 1,000 people.

During the homily the Pope said: "I have come here to pay homage to you, children of the Greek-Catholic Church, who for three centuries have borne testimony, at times with unheard-of sacrifice, to your faith in unity."

"Today, now that there is new room for freedom, devotion to your rich and diverse tradition must be constantly renewed so that your Church, in returning to its roots and in opening itself to the call of the Spirit, may become ever more distinctive and, precisely because of its multiple identity, may contribute to the growth of the universal Church."

The Holy Father asked for "space and attention to be given to the laity, especially to the young who are the future of the Church. ... Teach them to refuse the easy illusions of consumerism, to stay in their own land in order to construct a future of peace and prosperity, to open themselves to Europe and the world, to serve the poor, ... to prepare themselves for a professional commitment as Christians, ... and to not distrust politics."

He continued: "If there is not yet full communion between Orthodox and Catholics, 'I feel that it is already perfect in what we all consider the highest point of the life of grace, 'martyria' unto death."

The Pope called upon the faithful to heal "the wounds of the past with love. May common suffering not generate separation but awaken the miracle of reconciliation. Is this not the marvel that the world expects from believers? You too, dear brothers and sisters, are called upon to make your precious contribution to the ecumenical dialogue in truth and charity, in accordance with the indications of Vatican Council II and the teaching of the Church."

PV-ROMANIA;DIVINE LITURGY;...;BUCHAREST;VIS;19990510;Word: 370;