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Skriven 2006-05-31 22:12:52 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
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                               VIS-Press releases

TWO MILLION PEOPLE ATTEND KRAKOW MASS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, two million people attended a
Mass presided by Benedict XVI in Krakow's Blonie Park; the same place where,
yesterday afternoon, he had met with young people. Polish cardinals and
bishops, as well as members of the papal entourage, concelebrated with the
Pope.

A representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, Fr. Igor Vyzhanov, also
participated in the Eucharistic celebration, conveying to the Pope the greeting
of Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and all the Russias.

In his homily, the Holy Father referred to the recent Solemnity of the
Ascension of the Lord: "Here on earth," he said, "we are called to look up to
heaven, to turn our minds and hearts to the inexpressible mystery of God. We
are called to look towards this divine reality, to which we have been directed
from our creation. For there we find life's ultimate meaning."

After recalling how John Paul II used to celebrate Mass in the same park during
his apostolic trips to his homeland, Benedict XVI said: "From here he could see
Krakow and all Poland. ... Krakow, the city of Karol Wojtyla and of John Paul
II, is also my Krakow! Krakow has a special place in the hearts of countless
Christians throughout the world who know that John Paul II came to the Vatican
Hill from this city, from Wawel Hill, 'from a far country,' which thus became a
country dear to all."

The Pope then indicated that he had wished to come to Poland and to Krakow "to
breathe the air of [John Paul II's] homeland. I wanted to see the land where he
was born, where he grew up and undertook his tireless service to Christ and the
Universal Church. ... Here I wish to ask God to preserve that legacy of faith,
hope and charity which John Paul II gave to the world, and to you in
particular."

Going on to refer to theme of his Polish pilgrimage, "Stand firm in your
faith," the Holy Father pointed out that "faith is a deeply personal and human
act, an act which has two aspects. To believe means first to accept as true
what our mind cannot fully comprehend." Secondly, it means to "trust in a
person, no ordinary person, but Jesus Christ Himself. What we believe is
important, but even more important is the One in Whom we believe."

"When Karol Wojtyla was elected to the See of Peter in order to serve the
Universal Church, your land became a place of special witness to faith in Jesus
Christ. You were called to give this witness before the whole world. This
vocation of yours is always needed, and it is perhaps even more urgent than
ever, now that the Servant of God has passed from this life. Do not deprive the
world of this witness!"

"Strengthened by faith in God, devote yourselves fervently to consolidating His
Kingdom on earth, a Kingdom of goodness, justice, solidarity and mercy. I ask
you to bear courageous witness to the Gospel before today's world, bringing
hope to the poor, the suffering, the lost and abandoned, the desperate and
those yearning for freedom, truth and peace. By doing good to your neighbor and
showing your concern for the common good, you bear witness that God is love."

Pope Benedict concluded his address by calling on the faithful "to share with
the other peoples of Europe and the world the treasure of your faith, not least
as a way of honoring the memory of your countryman, who, as the Successor of
St. Peter, did this with extraordinary power and effectiveness."

Following the Mass and before praying the "Regina Coeli," the Pope addressed
some remarks to young people who, during his meeting with them yesterday,
"expressed their adherence to Christ and to the Church.

"Yesterday," he said, "you presented me with the gift of your book of
testimonies: 'I do not take them, I am free of drugs.' I ask you now as your
father: remain faithful to this promise. It is a question of your lives and
your freedom. Do not let yourselves fall victim to this world's illusions."

At the end of the ceremony, Benedict travelled by car to the archbishop's
palace in Krakow where he had lunch. In the early afternoon, he bid farewell to
the staff and collaborators of the archbishop, and to some of the members of
the organizational committee of his visit.
PV-POLAND/MASS:REGINA COELI/KRAKOW VIS 060529 (750)

SUMMARY

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