JOHN PAUL II RECALLS ALL THE "WITNESSES IN CHARITY"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 16, 1999 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Square this morning, the Pope celebrated a mass for volunteers and members of social charity organizations who have participated in a world meeting in Rome promoted by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum."

"I gladly celebrate the Eucharist for you and with you," said the Holy Father in his homily, "recalling all the 'witnesses in charity' who all over the world strive to eliminate injustice and misery, alas still present in so many forms both open and hidden. ... To each of you I express my esteem and support."

John Paul II also encouraged those present to "continue in this noble mission to which you are committed as children of the Church, wherever man is suffering or living in discomfort. Take the consolation of Christian solidarity to whomever you meet, vigorously proclaim and witness Christ, man's Redeemer."

The Pope continued: "Love for one's neighbor only conforms to the commandment and example of Christ if it is linked to love for God." In this context he recalled "the noble figures of the heroic servants of love who, in the course of this century, have given their lives for their fellows, dying in order to fulfill the highest commandment of Christ. As we absorb their teaching we are called to follow in their footsteps."

The Pope highlighted that "it is not possible to give love to one's fellow man unless it is first drawn from the true well of divine charity and this is only possible by giving time to prayer, to listening to the Word of God and to adoration of the Eucharist, font and culmination of Christian life."

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