SEMINARIANS: FUTURE AND HOPE OF THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2004 (VIS) - Today at 6 p.m. in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope met with members of the community of the Pontifical Major Seminary of Rome on the occasion of the feast of their patroness, Our Lady of Trust. Also present were students from the Capranica, Redemptoris Mater and Divine Love Seminaries. The choir and orchestra of the diocese of Rome played an oratorio inspired by "Roman Triptych," John Paul II's book of poetry which was published last year.

Following the musical presentation, the Holy Father, in off-the-cuff remarks, thanked the young seminarians for the music: "Debitor factus sum," he said. "I am indebted to the Seminary of Rome for the beautiful interpretation that you have offered us of the oratorio inspired by "Roman Triptych," a work of poetry which many have written about. But this is perhaps the first time that I have heard this musical interpretation."

"I would like to tell you," he continued, "that this morning I celebrated Mass for the intentions of the Pontifical Major Seminary of Rome." In conclusion, he repeated: "'Debitor factus sum'. I am indebted and I must pay . perhaps a just, rather, that is, a fitting price. I will try to do so."

In his prepared speech, John Paul II affirmed that seminarians "are in a special way the future and hope of the Church; their presence in the seminary attests to the strength of attraction that Christ exercises on the heart of young people. A strength that does not take away from liberty, on the contrary, it allows it to fully flourish by choosing the greatest good: God to whose service we dedicate ourselves forever."

"Forever!" he exclaimed. "In this age, there is the impression of a certain reluctance on the part of young people in the face of definitive and total commitments. It is as if they were afraid of making decisions that last an entire life. Thank God, in the diocese of Rome that there are many young people who are willing to consecrate their lives to God and to their brothers in the priestly ministry. Nevertheless, we must pray incessantly to the Master of the harvest so that He may send new workers for His harvest, and so that He may sustain them in their commitment to a coherent adhesion to the demands of the Gospel."

The Pope ended by citing the example of Our Lady: "Without humble abandonment to God's will, which made the most beautiful 'yes' flourish in the heart of Mary, who could assume the responsibility of the priesthood? This is also important for young people who are preparing for Christian marriage."
AC/./MAJOR SEMINARY ROME VIS 20040223 (470)