AMMAN 22 (NE) Wednesday morning Pope John Paul II presided yesterday at a Eucharist celebration during which 2000 boys received their First Communion. The Mass was celebrated at Amman stadium, in Jordan. "Jesus is your best friend; he knows what is in your hearts. Stay close to him, and in your prayers remember the Church and the Pope," said the Holy Father to the children making their First Holy Communion.

    "The Successor of Peter is a pilgrim in this land blessed by the presence of Moses and Elijah, where Jesus himself taught and worked miracles, where the early Church bore witness in the lives of many saints and martyrs," recalled the Pope in his homily, during which he called lay people to "not be afraid to take your proper place and responsibility in the Church! Be brave witnesses to the Gospel in your families and in society!" "Build your future on the solid foundation of God's love, and remain ever united in Christ's Church!" said the Pope moments after to the young people present.

    During the evening, Pope John Paul II traveled by helicopter to Wadi Al-Kharrar, a traditional baptismal site on the east bank of the Jordan River. There, in the presence of 2,000 people, the Pope presided a prayer service. After the prayer service, the Holy Father traveled by helicopter to Queen Alia Airport in Amman, Jordan, where following a farewell ceremony he departed for Tel Aviv, Israel.