VATICAN CITY, OCT. 24, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II address at midday on Sunday, before praying the Angelus with several thousand pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
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1. Today we celebrate World Mission Sunday, dedicated to prayer and concrete support for the missions. Moreover, on this day, all believers are invited to revive their own responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples. I thank the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Mission Societies which, in my name, promote this Day, and I encourage the diocesan and parish initiatives directed to this objective. <br>
2. My heartfelt greetings and profound gratitude to all men and women missionaries, committed on the frontiers of evangelization. I assure them of a special remembrance in prayer. I remember in particular all those who crowned their testimony of Christ and service to man with the sacrifice of their lives.
3. May Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Missions, obtain everywhere in the Church the gift of numerous vocations to the missionary life.
[Translation by ZENIT]
