AUDIENCE FOR THE DAUGHTERS OF ST. LUCY FILIPPINI

VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2001 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received 50 Daughters of St. Lucy Filippini, for the celebration of their ordinary general chapter on the theme "The Constitutions, lamp for my feet, light for my path."

"With the spreading of a secularized mentality," the Pope said, "the faithful observance of the Rule will be of great help to you, dear sisters, by strengthening you in striving towards the Absolute, not conforming yourselves to the spirit of this world, but progressing day after day in conformity to Christ."

The Holy Father reminded the religious that they are called "to carry out a unique educative ministry, which is expressed in continual gestures of love, especially towards the poor, and which, through schools, not only supports the sound cultural growth of the students, but also their conscious approach to the everlasting truth of the Gospel.

"In the face of religious indifference, you are called to carry out your specific mission, especially in the scholastic field, bearing in mind the difficulties associated with the diverse local and cultural contexts. Be courageous and enthusiastic, without allowing yourselves to be conditioned by the various obstacles which you may encounter."

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