NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      INTROD, JUL 16 (ZENIT).- The Holy Father continues to restore his energies in the Alps, braced by the affection of locals and tourists. The news from Les Combes, the scene of the Pope's summer holiday and rest, is always good. On returning from yesterday's excursion, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls, said the Pope is very happy with his holiday so far in the Valley of Aosta; he is finishing a very large book that has riveted his attention.

      John Paul II's days alternate peacefully with prayer, reading, and excursions. Yesterday the papal party enjoyed very good weather and went up to the high Veltellin, on lake Place-Moulin, not far from the Swiss border, the location of a majestic glacier. On the party's return, at the last curve on the road before reaching the chalet, the Pope was awaited by a considerable group of people, including children. All was very sedate, giving the security service no occasion for real apprehension. The closest anyone came to the Pope was to give him a bunch of flowers.

      Today, the party went on a similar outing, although the ultimate destiny was kept secret. Locals ventured all kinds of guesses, discounting places already visited. There were those who were convinced he had gone to the Valleys of the Great Paradise, yet everyone kept to the reserve and discretion that are now categorical imperatives.

      On the other hand, today, on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the monastery of the Mother of Mercy in Quart, where John Paul II will pray the "Angelus" next Sunday, was full of bustle. On July 16, 1989, exactly ten years ago, John Paul II inaugurated this Carmelite cloister, which at present houses ten nuns who are already preparing for Sunday's "Angelus": hundreds of faithful from the Valley of Aosta are expected. The warning is out: roads that access this small community, which is very near to the town, will be cut off from the early hours of the morning. ZE99071604

Articles provided through Catholic World News and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and International Dossiers, Daily Dispatches and Features at ZENIT International News Agency. CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.