ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST
LITURGICO-PASTORAL CONGRESS
PROMOTED BY "THE WORK OF KINGSHIP"
 

Friday, 23 February 1979

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the first place, I thank Cardinal Fernando Antonelli for the appreciated words of homage which he addressed to me also on our behalf. And I thank all of you also, for visiting me in such large numbers at the conclusion of the twenty-first National Liturgico-Pastoral Congress, promoted by the "Work of the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ".

I know you are studying the very topical subject "Liturgy and forms of piety, for a renewal of popular piety". I hope you will succeed in showing in its right light, and in a well-balanced way, the mutual relationship between both these important aspects of Christian religious life, so that each one may respect and promote the requirements and identity of the other.

But I also wish to recall that the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the above-mentioned "Work of Kingship" falls this year. I am well aware that this Association was founded by the indefatigable and well-deserving Franciscan, Father Agostino Gemelli, who characterized it with the purpose of a twofold promotion, liturgical and ascetical. And it is a pleasure for me, today, cordially to acknowledge before you the great good done in so many years by this Institution: both with the many publications, ancient and recent, and with the numerous initiatives of fruitful meetings of study and prayer.

I am happy, therefore, to formulate sincere wishes for the further development of the "Work", in conformity with the spirit of the Founder, in harmony with other similar institutes, and in faithful collaboration with the bishops: may it always contribute to educating and bringing new Christian life to wide sectors of the holy Church of God in Italy.

It is with these wishes and with fatherly affection that I grant the special Apostolic Blessing to you all, as a token of the necessary heavenly graces.