To Professor Giuliana Cavallini of the Missionaries of the School

I learned with pleasure that the Academic Senate of the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, at the request of the council of the Faculty of Theology, has decided to award to you, on the occasion of the European Symposium on St Catherine of Siena, the Targa d'Onore (Plaque of Honour) of the Angelicum for the merit you have acquired during your long life, much of which you have spent in studying and disseminating the thought of this saint of Siena, a Patroness of Europe.

As a devout spiritual daughter of St Catherine, you have illustrated the riches of her teaching, also thanks to the support of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the School, founded by the Servant of God Mother Luigia Tincani. As an active member of this religious family, you have spent your intellectual and spiritual energies for the glory of the Lord, working generously for the cause of evangelization as directress of the Centro Nazionale di Studi Cateriniani (Italian National Centre for Studies on St Catherine of Siena).

Your tireless cultural and scientific activity has crossed the boundaries of Italy, giving rise to far-reaching echoes and growing appreciation in various countries, which have recognized you as a Catherinian expert of international fame.

I willingly join those who are grateful to you, and I rejoice in taking part in the initiative of the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas to honour an expert scholar who has never ceased to work to make people love and imitate St Catherine, an outstanding Doctor of the Church.

As I ask Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, to continue to guide you in your commitment to study and to the spiritual life and to obtain for you the gift of being strengthened in joy and peace, I cordially send you a special Apostolic Blessing which I extend to those taking part in the celebration as well as to the religious communities and all your loved ones.

From the Vatican, 26 April 2003

JOHN PAUL II