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Skriven 2005-01-06 03:19:34 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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              The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                        Vatican Information Service.
              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                               VIS-Press releases

AUDIENCE: MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE, DEFEND US FROM DANGER

VATICAN CITY, JAN 5, 2005 (VIS) - In this year's first general audience, held
in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father recalled that "in this holy season we
contemplate the great mystery of the birth of Jesus, in whom God definitively
enters history and offers salvation to men and women of all times and places.

"It is precisely this universal dimension of salvation", the Pope continued,
"that tomorrow's Solemnity of the Epiphany celebrates: the Son of God is
recognized and adored by the Magi, who represent the entire human race".

John Paul II stressed how "the good news of salvation is thus intended from the
very beginning for all peoples of the world. We commend this missionary task of
all Christians to Mary, Mother of the Church. We also place under her
protection this new year, marked as it is by a deep concern for the sufferings
which the people of Southeast Asia are presently undergoing.

"We ask our Lady to watch over the whole world, praying that ancient Marian
hymn sung at the beginning of this audience: Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
Queen of peace, assist your people, defend them from all danger, be with the
Church on her journey to our heavenly home. Amen".

Among his multilingual greetings to the 5,000 people present, the Pope also
spoke in Polish to members of the Krakow Sporting Club, which is currently
celebrating its centenary, saying: "I have been associated with the club for
many years. I wish you great success both in sport and education". Yesterday
evening, the Pope granted an audience to players and trainers of the Krakow
football club who presented him a shirt marked with the number one and the name
Karol Wojtyla, as a reminder of when he used to play as goalkeeper.

In closing, John Paul II recalled that Europe is dedicating this day to
mourning for the many victims of the tidal wave "that tragically devastated
Southeast Asia. Once again, I ask everyone to join my prayers for the many dead
and for those people suffering acute difficulties".

At midday, the faithful in the Paul VI Hall accompanied the Pope in observing
three minutes of silence. They then prayed the Our Father and a Hail Mary.
AG/CHRISTMAS/... VIS 050105 (390)

SUMMARY

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