Visit to the Cathedral of the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly

APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA

ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
ON OCCASION OF THE VISIT TO THE CATHEDRAL
OF THE LATIN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF VERAPOLY

Cochin (India)
Friday, 7 February 1986

Dear Archbishop Kelanthara,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is a joy and an honour for me to visit this Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. I am particularly pleased to be able to do so in this year when the Archdiocese of Verapoly is celebrating its centenary. This important occasion invites us to reflect with gratitude on the many blessings which God has poured out upon your forefathers, on the fruitful harvest of God’s word, and on the way that divine providence has guided the Church in every age.

I am pleased to join you in this great act of praise and thanks-giving. In the words of Saint Paul, I exhort you: "Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" .