VATICAN CITY, MARCH 21, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address John Paul II gave today before praying the midday Angelus, after the beatification Mass for two Spaniards and two Italians.
The new blessed are Luigi Talamoni (1848-1926), founder of the Religious of Mercy of St. Gerard; Matilde of the Sacred Heart Téllez Robles (1841-1902), founder of the Congregation of Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church; Piedad of the Cross Ortiz Real (1842-1916), founder of the Congregation of Salesian Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; and Maria Candida of the Eucharist (1884-1949), religious of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
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[Speaking in Italian]
Before ending this solemn celebration, I wish to express my cordial greeting to all of you, dear brothers and sisters, who with your fervent participation have rendered homage to the new blessed.
[Speaking in Spanish]
I greet with affection the Spanish-speaking cardinals, bishops, priests and faithful, as well as the authorities present in the beatification of Mother Matilde Téllez and of Mother Piedad of the Cross. I very especially greet the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church and the Salesians of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May the example and intercession of the new blessed help us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, being instruments of his mercy and collaborators of Providence. Likewise, I encourage you to maintain hope, enthusiasm and generosity in the face of the suffering of so many families, of the people of Madrid and of the whole of Spain by the recent terrorist attack. Love is stronger than hatred and death!
[Speaking in Italian]
I greet the pilgrims who have come from different parts of Italy and the religious and civil authorities who have accompanied them. Kind thoughts go, in particular, to the archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, to the priests and faithful of Monza, birthplace of Blessed Luigi Talamondi, and to the Sisters of Mercy. I also greet the Carmelite family, particularly the nuns of the Carmel of Ragusa, who are celebrating Mother Maria Candida of the Eucharist.
Following the example of the new blessed, we now pray with confidence through the intercession of Our Lady for the needs of the Church and of the whole world.
[Translation by ZENIT]
