NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ROME, 5 (NE) In 1944, allied troops were near Rome, waiting orders to enter into the Italian capital, still occupied by German soldiers. A group of faithful gathered in a place near the Eternal City, in order to pray for the city's salvation. There they made a triple promise in case Rome was preserved from destruction: to build a church in honor of the Virgin of Divine Love, to make an important act of charity, and also correct their moral behavior.

      On that same day, an hour after reading the vow, the German army left the capital without offering any resistance.

      Yesterday, Pope John Paul II consecrated the church of the Sanctuary of Divine Love, the temple promised during those difficult years of war. 22 bishops were also present. The beautiful celebration counted with a great choir and included fireworks.

      "During World War II," recalled the Pontiff in his homily, "when allied troops were ready to attack Rome, Pope Pius XII and the people of Rome gathered here to pray and made the vow to build in this same place a sanctuary for the Virgin."

      The Holy Father especially urged the people to fully accomplish the promise done during the war. "Today the promise is partially fulfilled," he said. "The act of charity is also about to take place: a home for elderly, nor far from here. But the third promise never ends and it is the most difficult to carry out: the correction of moral behavior," said the Pope.

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