On Contemplation, Communion and Mission

Address After Beatification Mass in Loreto

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LORETO, Italy, SEPT. 5, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II delivered today at the conclusion of the beatification Mass and before praying the Angelus.

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[In Italian]

Beloved:

1. At the end of this intense celebration, I wish to express to you once again my joy for having been able to be with you. Listen always with readiness to the voice of the Lord Jesus.

As he needed Mary’s «fiat» to become incarnate, so the Gospel also needs your «yes» to become history in today’s world.

[In Spanish]

2. A very special greeting to the pilgrims of the Archdiocese of Barcelona and the Diocese of Vic, accompanied by the Lord Cardinal Ricardo María Carles; Monsignor Lluís Martínez Sistach, archbishop of Barcelona; the bishop of Vic; and the other bishops of Catalonia.

[In Catalan]

The new blessed signifies a great honor for your land. His figure as man, doctor and priest is a luminous example for the Christians of our time.

[In Spanish]

I also greet cordially the pilgrims of other dioceses of Spain and Latin America who, together with their bishops, have participated in Catholic Action’s World Congress.

Catholic Action is and wishes to be the school in which one learns to choose God with all one’s heart, and to follow Christ as the only Lord of our lives.

[In Italian]

3. Beloved, I invite you to renew your yes and I give you three instructions.

The first is «contemplation»: Commit yourselves to walk on the path of holiness, with your eyes fixed on Jesus, only Teacher and Savior of all.

The second instruction is «communion»: Try to promote the spirituality of unity with the pastors of the Church, with all brothers of faith, and with the other ecclesial entities. Be ferment of dialogue with all men of good will.

The third instruction is «mission»: Take, as laity, the ferment of the Gospel to homes and schools, to places of work and times of leisure. The Gospel is word of hope and salvation for the world.

May the sweet Virgin of Loreto obtain for you fidelity to your vocation, generosity in the fulfillment of your daily duty, enthusiasm in your dedication to the mission that the Church entrusts to you!

[Translation by ZENIT]

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