NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- An unusually large number of pilgrims assembled in St. Peter's Square for the usual papal audience on Sunday, October 17. Many of these pilgrims had come from Poland to give Pope John Paul II their greetings as he celebrated the 21 anniversary of his election to the pontificate.

    The Holy Father centered his comments on the World Day for the Missions, which will be observed on October 24. He called upon the faithful to support missionary workers with their prayers, pointing out that many priests, religious, and lay workers are "bear witness to Christ, often amid great difficulties and even sometimes paying for their fidelity with their blood." He said that all Christians should be "missionaries in their own spheres of life."

    "It is in this spirit that I try to exercise the apostolic ministry that Providence confided to me on October 16, 1978," the Pope said. He thanked the many people who had "accompanied me in prayer" during his years on Peter's throne, and asked them to continue that support.

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