VATICAN CITY, DEC. 20, 2002 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II met with children of Catholic Action to exchange Christmas greetings and took the opportunity to promise them that Jesus «will make you happy.»
A delegation of 25 children, representing all Italian regions, went to see the Pope today in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Bishop Francesco Lambiasi, the general ecclesiastical assistant of Catholic Action, accompanied them.
Referring to this year’s Catholic Action motto, «Hands for All: All Holding Hands,» the Holy Father explained that «hands are not used to embrace material goods egotistically.»
«On the contrary, it is necessary to learn to keep them open to receive the love of God: hands always ready to receive and give love,» the Pope told the children, encouraging them to teach this to their friends.
This would be a «precious contribution to the renewal that Italian Catholic Action has undertaken,» he emphasized.
«Only Jesus knows the secret of a life full of meaning, to live in a big way, as I think you desire in the depth of your heart,» John Paul II told the children.
When we celebrate Christmas, he added, «the Child Jesus will reveal to us the infinite love of the Heavenly Father, who does not tire to seek each of his own children.»
«Prepare your heart to welcome him! He will make you happy,» the Pope promised the children.
