PAPAL MESSAGE FOR RE-OPENING OF CATHEDRAL OF URBINO

VATICAN CITY, JUN 3, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Pope John Paul to Archbishop Francesco Marinelli of Urbino-Urbania-Sant'Angelo in Vado, Italy, on the occasion of the re-opening of the archdiocesan basilica-cathedral after, as the Pope writes, "a period of painful and forced closing because of the earthquake that, five years ago, struck Urbino and a broad area of the Marche region."

The Pope thanked "all who contributed to restoring the architectural beauty and original splendor to this sacred building" and recalled Pope Paul VI's words: "A cathedral, in the majesty of its architectural structure, represents the spiritual temple that is built within each soul, in the splendor of grace, according to the apostle's words: 'You are in fact the temple of the living God'."

"In the cathedral," he went on, "we find the bishop's 'cathedra' (seat), the sign of the magisterium and ecclesial power, as well as the symbol of unity of those who share the faith that the bishop, as pastor of the flock of believers, guards, proclaims and shares with the universal Church. For this reason the cathedral must be considered as the center of the life of the archdiocese."

The Holy Father said he also wanted to take this occasion "to express my appreciation and encouragement for several recent pastoral initiatives." He mentioned the re-opening of the diocesan seminary and also the work done by the university in Urbino, recalling that it was born "of the Church's concern for a deeper analysis of studies of a theological and juridical nature, the Urbino University always lives and works in close symbiosis with the local community."

He also spoke of past initiatives, lauding the work of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences and noting that, "for 24 years (it) has had the duty of preparing religion teachers in schools and of starting young people in the study and research of religious sciences."

The Pope closed by encouraging the diocese's commitment to "forming a qualified Catholic laity" and he expressed his pleasure at "the commitment undertaken by the diocese to form ... educators for groups of very young people and young adults."

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