JUBILEE OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF THE SACRED HEART

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today in the Vatican Basilica, John Paul II received 6,500 participants in the Jubilee of Sacred Heart Catholic University. The event falls on the 40th anniversary of the death of its founder, Fr. Agostino Gemelli, and on the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the university in December 1920.

Speaking to professors and students from the university's bases in Milan, Rome, Brescia and Piacenza, the Pope said that the pastoral dimension "embraces everything that happens, and coordinates it with the specific educational project of a Catholic university."

Addressing his remarks in particular to professors, he said: "Be true and authentic educators, be sure to clearly identify the educational plan from which you draw inspiration, demonstrating, like true disciples of Christ, the hope that is within you. May your commitment and honor give the Church and the country professionally well-trained youth, politically sensitive citizens and, especially, wise and courageous Christians."

The Holy Father made reference to the imminent reform of universities and affirmed that the traditional independence they have long enjoyed will "allow them to adapt to the forthcoming changes in such a way as to guarantee the freedom that has always been an essential condition for the development of learning."

"Being Catholic," he continued, "demands that your university - through critical reflection on the present and future of a society that is becoming multi-ethnic and multi-religious - commit itself to combining the essential requirements of its ecclesial affiliation with a warm openness towards all other serious cultural manifestations."

John Paul II called on professors and students to feel proud to belong to the Catholic university and to make every effort "to be equal to the responsibilities that derive therefrom. This is called for by the memory of your tradition, requested by the very nature of your institution and demanded by the laudable educational mission with which you are entrusted."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, as president of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei," and accepted the resignation from the presidency of the same pontifical commission presented by Cardinal Angelo Felici.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, accompanied by an entourage.
- Nikolaos Kalantzianos, Greek ambassador, on a farewell visit.

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NUNCIATURE OFFERED FOR HAND-OVER OF CUBAN BOY IN U.S.

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2000 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement today that "upon the request of the two interested parties, the Holy See has made available its nunciature in Washington for the hand-over of the (Cuban) child Elian Gonzales, to his father."

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THE TRINITY IS PRESENT IN CHRIST'S BAPTISM

VATICAN CITY, APR 12, 2000 (VIS) - "The glory of the Trinity in the baptism of Christ" was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during the general audience, celebrated this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 30,000 pilgrims.

The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan in which, said the Pope, the "great epiphany of the Trinity" is apparent, marks the beginning of Christ's public ministry.

"The figure of Christ appears in center stage, the Messiah who fulfills all righteousness. He is the one who brings the divine project of salvation to fruition, humbly allying himself with sinners. ... Over Him, the Father's voice rings out, proclaiming Him as "my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." John Paul II recalled that "the Holy Spirit also appears in the scene, in the form of a 'dove' which 'descends and settles on' Christ."

The Holy Father emphasized that "the entire Trinity is present at the Jordan, revealing its mystery, authenticating and supporting Christ's mission and indicating that, with Him, the history of salvation enters its central and definitive phase. ... The Father entrusts the Son with the mission to bring 'righteousness' - in other words, divine salvation - to fruition in the Spirit."

"Following Christ's baptism," he concluded, "the Jordan also became the river of Christian baptism. ... Emerging from the regenerative waters of the baptismal font, Christians begin their path of life and witness."

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