To the pilgrims from Tasmania, John Paul II, 8 May 1982

ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE PILGRIMS FROM TASMANIA

Saturday, 8 May 1982

Dear brothers and sisters,

I wish to express a very special welcome to you as pilgrims from Tasmania. It is a joy to welcome you to Rome. You have come to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and I pray that your pilgrimage will be spiritually beneficial. Pilgrimages are made to places where we feel especially close to the great figures of our faith, in order to draw inspiration from their example and to be helped by their protection. The two Apostles that you are venerating here have left an enduring impression on the world by their teaching, their lives and their death as martyrs to our Lord and Saviour. Theirs was an all-conquering faith. It is the faith that is yours also. I pray that through your pilgrimage you will be confirmed in your holy Catholic faith and find new strength for Christian living. May you experience Christ and his love during your journey of faith, and may our Blessed Mother Mary protect you and your families at home. God bless you all. God bless Tasmania.