CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address John Paul II delivered today at before praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at the papal summer residence.
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1. According to an old tradition, today is celebrated the feast of the Name of Mary. Linked indissolubly to that of Jesus, this name is the dearest for Christians, because it reminds all of our common Mother. To her the dying Jesus entrusted all as children.
May Mary watch over humanity at this time marked by overwhelming explosions of violence. May she especially watch over the new generations, desirous of building a future of hope for all.
2. I perceived this intense aspiration for a world of justice and peace also in the children, youths and adults of Italian Catholic Action, whom I met with last Sunday at Loreto on the occasion of their national pilgrimage.
I am grateful to the Lord for having given me the opportunity to participate in that important ecclesial event, which culminated in the proclamation of three new blessed: Alberto Marvelli, Pina Suriano and Pere Tarrés i Claret.
Recalling their testimony, I would like to remind you of the three requirements that I entrusted to Catholic Action at Loreto: «contemplation,» to journey on the path of holiness; «communion,» to foster the spirituality of unity; «mission» to be evangelical ferment in every place.
3. May Our Lady help Catholic Action to continue with enthusiasm in its endeavor of apostolic testimony, working always in close connection with the hierarchy, and participating in a responsible way in parish and diocesan pastoral care.
The Church counts on the active presence of Catholic Action and on its faithful dedication to the great cause of the Kingdom of Christ. I also look to Catholic Action with great confidence and encourage all the members to be generous witnesses of the joyous evangelical proclamation, to give back hope to today’s society in search of peace.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[After praying the Angelus, the Pope greeted pilgrims in several languages. In English, he said:]
I greet the International Ecumenical Working Group for Pastoral Care Among Deaf People, with gratitude for their efforts to bring God’s Word to the hearing impaired. I also welcome the new students of the University of Dallas Rome Program. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors I cordially invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace.
