NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II today sent a message to the priests who have gathered for a retreat at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Pope reminded them that a life of prayer is a basic need of their ministry.

      An active prayer life is essential, the Holy Father said, because it "unifies the life of the priest, so often endangered by the distractions of the many tasks that must be done." Keeping Christ at the center of his life, the Pope continued, helps the priest to "proclaim the mystery of God through his words and through his life."

      "Do not be afraid to set aside the time" for prayer, the Pope counseled the priests who had come to Mexico City from all over the world. He recommended a daily period of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, along with the Liturgy of the Hours.