Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - In St Peter’s Square at midday yesterday, the 4th Sunday in Lent, the Substitute Secretary of State Archbishop Leonardo Sandri read a message from Pope John Paul II for the recitation of the Angelus. The Archbishop also led the Angelus prayer and on the Pope’s behalf, gave the apostolic blessing to those in the square and connected via radio and television. From his room in the Pope watched the event on the television and joined in the prayer. Here is his message in our English translation:
“Once again today I wish to express my gratitude for the many signs of affection I have received. I think in particular of the cardinals, bishops, priests and groups of faithful, ambassadors and ecumenical delegations who have visited the hospital Gemelli over the past few days.
I wish to manifest special gratitude for the sympathy shown by believers of other religions, markedly Jews and Muslims. Some came to pray here at the hospital and this is for me a comforting sign for which I thank God.
Together we continue our preparation for Easter offering to God also our suffering for the good of humanity and our own purification. In today’s Gospel when Christ heals the man blind from birth, he presents himself as the "light of the world" (Jn 9,5). He came to open the eyes of mankind to the light of the faith. Yes, my dear ones, the faith is the light to guide us on the path of life, the flame which comforts us at times of difficulty.
When a child is born we say "he comes into the light" [Italian idiom ndr] For believers born to supernatural life in Baptism, Lent is a favourable time for "coming to the light", for being born again of the Spirit, and renewing the grace and the promises of baptism. May Most Holy Mary help us obtain from Christ the gift of faith ever clearer and firmer, so we may be coherent and courageous witnesses of his Gospel.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2005; righe 25; parole 333)
