VATICAN CITY, NOV. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the All Saints’ Day address John Paul II delivered before he prayed the midday Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
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«Let us all rejoice in the Lord and keep a festival in honor of all the saints.» The Eucharistic celebration today in honor for all the saints begins with this invitation to be jubilant. The pilgrim Church on earth lifts its gaze to heaven and triumphantly unites with the choirs comprised of those whom God has brought together in his glory. This is the communion of saints!
In the very light of this stupendous mystery, tomorrow we celebrate the annual commemoration of all the faithful who have passed away. The liturgy invites us to open our hearts to pray for all, especially for those souls most in need of God’s divine mercy. I offer a special prayer to God for all the victims of terrorism. I feel spiritually close to all their families and while I ask the Lord to relieve their sorrow, I ask him to grant peace to the world.
I pray that Mary, the Queen of all saints, helps us to faithfully follow Christ in order to reach the glory of heaven.
