JOURNEY TO INDIA

ADDRESS OF PAUL VI
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE SEMINARY OF GOREGOON

Saturday, 5 December 1964

Most dearly beloved sons,

Our heart is filled with gladness and consolation as We greet you with special affection.

We salute you as associates in Our ministry: «cooperatores ordinis nostri». Like Saint Paul writing to Timothy, We have longed to see you, that We might be filled with joy; and We remember you without ceasing in Our prayers night and day.

Moreover, We greet you as workers, our future workers, of the Gospel; of that Good News which gives men eternal happiness. Like the Apostles, you leave all things and follow Jesus, Who said: «If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me»; and you do this the more cheerfully and willingly, because that cross is the Cross of Jesus.

Understand your vocation; first, with regard to Christ, Who calls you to follow Him as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, strive to be found trustworthy. Then, as regards the Church, «obey your superiors and be subject to them, for they keep watch as having to render an account of your souls; so that they may do this with joy». As far as the world is concerned, remember that you are lights set high on candlesticks, so that your light may shine before men and they may see your good works.

To strengthen you in your vocation, We invoke the assistance of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, Mother of the Church; and in pledge of copious divine graces We impart to you all Our Apostolic Blessing.