ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING PART
IN THE 22nd SPRING MARATHON

Sunday, 12 May 2002

I am pleased to greet you warmly, as you gather in such a crowd to take part in the traditional "Spring Marathon", organized on Catholic Schools' Day in Rome.

This event involves students, teachers, collaborators, alumni and sponsors of Catholic schools in a joyful day of fraternity, with the desire to give visibility to a social and educational reality that has the goal of bringing to life a formational plan inspired by the Gospel.

I urge the Catholic schools of Rome to persevere with courage and dedication in their important mission for the service of young generations. At the same time, I hope that the steps that have been taken to bring about effective parity between State and non-State schools will be successful.

Dear friends, I wish you all a successful race through the streets of our city. May it be a celebration of friendship and hope! With your enthusiasm and joyful spirit, communicate to those you meet the joy of the risen Christ. I wholeheartedly bless you.