At Saint Mary’s Basilica in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, John Paul II, 7 february 1986

APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA

ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
ON OCCASION OF THE VISIT
TO THE CATHEDRAL OF ERNAKULAM

Ernakulam (India)
Saturday, 8 February 1986

Dear Archbishop Padiyara, Dear Cardinal Parecattil,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is a great joy for me to come to Saint Mary’s Basilica in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam. On this happy occasion, I am reminded of the words of Jesus: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" . These words were first spoken in reply to a question of Saint Thomas who had asked: "Lord, how can we know the way"?

As Christians of Kerala, you trace your spiritual heritage to the preaching of this great Apostle. And just as Saint Thomas discovered that Jesus himself is the answer to the question, so you too, together with the whole Church, have come to believe that Jesus is " the way, and the truth, and the life ". This revelation by God is the cause of our joy and the foundation of our faith. May we always praise God for the great privilege of knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.