Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - On July 5 Pope John Paul II started a short holiday in Les Combes in Valle d’Aosta. At midday on Sunday 11 July the Pope prayed the Angelus broadcast on radio and television and greeted those present in the small village. From the Bishop’s house where he is staying the Pope thanked the local authorities and the Bishop of Aosta, Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi, for their hospitality. “In this oasis of silence with the marvellous spectacle of nature it is easy to experience how profitable silence can be, silence a good ever more rare today - the Pope said. The many opportunities for relations and information offered by modern society can sometimes take away space for silence and reflection and even render the person incapable of meditation and prayer. In reality, only in silence is man able to hear within his conscience the voice of God who renders him truly free. Vacation time can help cultivate this indispensable interior dimension of human life.”
The Pope then said that Mary Most Holy was “the perfect model of listening to God who speaks to the human heart”, and he blessed a statue of "Madonnina del Gran Paradiso", restored 50 years since it was first placed on that majestic mountain summit. “May Mary, whom in a few days time we will celebrate at Queen of Mount Carmel - the Pope said as he concluded his address -, help is to see in the beauty of creation a reflection of divine glory, and encourage us to tend with all our energy towards the spiritual summit of holiness.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/7/2004 - Righe 18; Parole 271)
