BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia, SEPT. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II gave on Friday afternoon in Banska Bystrica, when he met with representatives of other Churches and Christian confessions in the diocesan seminary.
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Dear Brethren,
I greet you all with affection in the name of the Lord. I thank you for coming to Banska Bystrica to meet the Pope: Your presence is an eloquent demonstration of the cordial cooperation and understanding that is a characteristic of the life of Christ’s disciples in this land of Slovakia.
This friendly meeting takes on particular importance and significance. In fact, it is an occasion to let our Divine Master’s heartfelt prayer resound in the depths of our hearts: «That they may all be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me» (John 17:21).
Together with you I ask Almighty God to strengthen us in our common task of proclaiming and bearing witness to the Gospel for the men and women of our day. May he hasten the arrival of the day when we shall be able to praise his name together in full communion of faith and charity.
«May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ» (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This is my hope and my prayer for you and for those entrusted to your pastoral care.
[Original text: Slovak. Translation issued by Vatican press office]
