Vatican City (Fides Service) - Yesterday, 20 February 2nd Sunday of Lent, Pope John Paul II appeared as usual at his study to recite the Angelus prayer with thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square to receive his blessing. In his brief address the Pope spoke of his retreat over the past week with the Roman Curia: “The Spiritual exercises in which I participated with many of my collaborators of the Roman Curia, closed yesterday with a solemn celebration of the Eucharist followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is the source of ever closer communion among the members of the mystical Body of Christ. This reality highlights the special task assigned to Peter and his successors: The Petrine ministry is essentially at the service of the unity of the Church…”. Reflecting on the mystery of the Eucharist the Pope said “I feel keenly in my soul Jesus’ command”: “Feed my sheep … feed my lambs” (Jn 21,15.16.17). The Pope then entrusted the “whole People of God on this Lenten journey towards Easter”, to Jesus the Good Shepherd invoking the help of Mary, Mother of the Church. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2005; righe 13; parole 183)