TESTIMONIES TO CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERS IN ST. PETERS SQUARE

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER

REGINA CAELI

25 APRIL 1999

"In view of the great suffering in today's world, particularly that caused by war, the need to spread and bear practical witness to the Gospel of Charity becomes ever more urgent.   This is the context for the meeting organised by the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' which I will have the joy to preside at on Sunday 16 May".

With these words the Holy Father invited all the witnesses to Charity and the world of volunteers to participate at the mass in St. Peter's Square held on 16 May 1999 noting that "... It will be an important occasion to express the Church's encouragement to those who devote themselves to their brothers and sisters in need and who are working to build a future of genuine peace in a society of greater brotherhood and solidarity".

During the Celebration, Sister Nirmala, along with whom another 3,500 Sisters spread throughout every part of the world carrying on the memory of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, will give a greeting.   Sister Nirmala will give voice to the tens of thousands of men and women religious who each day give their lives for others.  Also speaking will be six witnesses from "hot spots" of the world, coming from those groups which in the past or in the present are on opposing sides or are from enemy tribes: a Hutu and a Tutsi from Rwanda; from Northern Ireland where peace is continually challenged by small extremist groups, a Catholic lay person and a Protestant Pastor; a Jew and a Christian Arab from the Holy Land, from 2000 years of bloodshed from hatred and misunderstandings.

Vatican City, 26 April 1999