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July 18

Pope encourages members of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae in anniversary of canonical approval

Castelgandolfo, 18 (NE) Pope John Paul II encouraged members of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, in a message given on occasion of the fifth anniversary of its canonical approval as a society of apostolic life. The message was given personally to the Founder and Superior General of Sodalitium, Luis Fernando Figari, after the audience celebrated on Wednesday at the apostolic palace at Castelgandolfo.

"On occasion of the fifth anniversary of the canonical approval of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae as a society of apostolic life -says the Papal message-, I am happy to send my cordial greetings to all its members, as well as to all the members of the spiritual family that accompanies you, encouraging you to -from what is specific in your Christian vocation- to always aspire to sanctity through apostolate in different fields of activity, with young people, evangelization of culture, promotion of Christian life in family and in service to the poor, needy and defenseless, privileged fields of your work."

"In addition, I wish to extend once again the invitation to the whole 'sodalite' family to live intimately united to Christ, in communion of mind and heart with the pastors of the Church, cultivating a style that combines prayer and apostolate, obtaining a solid spirituality that allows you to see God in all things and so that all things lead to God."

"As I entrust you to the protection of the Virgin Mary, revered under the title of Our Lady of Reconciliation, so that she may assist you in your activities and make them fruitful for the service of the Church and of humanity, concede her maternal counsel and help, I am happy to give to the members of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and to all this spiritual family my implored Apostolic Blessing."

The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae is a Society of Apostolic Life born in Latin America, approved by Pope John Paul II on July 8, 1997. It is currently present in many countries of Latin America and Europe, working with youth, in several works of solidarity with the poor and in the evangelization of culture. They also strongly support family and familiar life, and the defense of human life and dignity.

This spiritual family includes several associations founded by Luis Fernando Figari: Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, the Christian Life Movement, the Marian Community of Reconciliation, the Servants of God's Plan, the Association of Immaculate Mary, and the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Reconciliation.

Pope asks faithful to pray for World Youth Day

Castelgandolfo, 18 (NE) During this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in the courtyard of the apostolic palace at Castelgandolfo, the Pope spoke about Psalm 148, "Glorification of God, Lord and Creator". In his weekly catechesis, the Pope affirmed that this psalm is "a true 'canticle of creatures', a sort of 'Te Deum' of the Old Testament, a cosmic alleluia in which everything and everyone praises the Lord."

"In heaven," he said, "we find singers of the starlit universe. ... The procession continues with the creatures of the atmosphere" and "the mountains and hills, commonly considered the oldest creatures of the earth. ... Finally, there is man who presides at the liturgy of creation."

The Holy Father said "we too are invited to join this immense chorus, becoming an outspoken voice for all creatures and praising God in the two fundamental dimensions of his mystery. On the one hand, we must adore his transcendental grandeur. ... On the other hand, we recognize his kindness because God is close to his creatures and helps especially his people."

After greeting the 4,000 pilgrims present in different languages, the Pope referred to the up-coming World Youth Day and asked for prayers "so that it may be a propitious occasion to experience the joy of being true witnesses of Christ."

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