Angelus - 20 February 2005

JOHN PAUL II

ANGELUS

Second Sunday of Lent
Sunday, 20 February 2005

1. The Spiritual Exercises in which I took part together with many of my Collaborators in the Roman Curia concluded yesterday with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, followed by Adoration.

The Eucharist is the source from which communion between the members of the mystical Body of Christ draws ever new vigour.

2. In this perspective the special task entrusted to Peter and his Successors becomes crystal clear: the Petrine ministry is essentially a service to the unity of the Church. "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Mt 16: 18). Further comforting words echo this promise of the Lord: "I have prayed for you [Simon] that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren" (Lk 22: 32).

3. "Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep" (Jn 21: 15, 16, 17). I feel Jesus' invitation particularly alive in my heart when I contemplate the Eucharistic Mystery. To him, the Good Shepherd, I entrust the entire People of God on this Lenten journey to Easter.

Let us invoke the support of Mary, Mother of the Church, with the customary prayer of the Angelus.

After the Angelus, the Pope said:

I greet the pilgrims who have come from Murska Sabota and Stranice in Slovenia! God be with you!

I greet the pilgrims present here. In particular, the faithful from the Parishes of Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament and of the Holy Canadian Martyrs in Rome, as well as the groups from some Sicilian Dioceses and those from the Diocese of Anagni.

I wish you all a good Sunday!