Papal Message

Submitted on August 09, 2002

Pope John Paul II

MEXICO CITY (VIS) - The following is from the homily of Pope John Paul II for the canonization of St. Juan Diego: "At this decisive moment in Mexico's history, having already crossed the threshold of the new millennium, I entrust to the powerful intercession of St. Juan Diego the joys and hopes, the fears and anxieties of the beloved Mexican people, whom I carry in my heart. "Blessed Juan Diego, a good, Christian Indian, whom simple people have always considered a saint! We ask you to accompany the Church on her pilgrimage in Mexico, so that she may be more evangelizing and more missionary each day. Encourage the bishops, support the priests, inspire new and holy vocations, help all those who give their lives to the cause of Christ and the spread of his kingdom. "Happy Juan Diego, true and faithful man! We entrust to you our lay brothers and sisters so that, feeling the call to holiness, they may imbue every area of social life with the spirit of the Gospel. Bless families, strengthen spouses in their marriage, sustain the efforts of parents to give their children a Christian upbringing. Look with favor upon the pain of those who are suffering in body or in spirit, on those afflicted by poverty, loneliness, marginalization or ignorance. May all people, civic leaders and ordinary citizens, always act in accordance with the demands of justice and with respect for the dignity of each person, so that in this way peace may be reinforced. "Beloved Juan Diego, 'the talking eagle!' Show us the way that leads to the 'Dark Virgin' of Tepeyac, that she may receive us in the depths of her heart, for she is the loving, compassionate Mother who guides us to the true God. Amen."