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APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA

SPEECH OF JOHN PAUL II
DURING THE VISIT
TO SAINT MARY'S CATHEDRAL

Trivandrum (India)
Saturday, 8 February 1986

Dear Archbishop Thangalathil,
Dear Friends in Christ,

It is a joy to visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Trivandrum. Although my visit is more brief than my heart would wish, I am very happy to be able to come to this Mother Church of the Metropolitan See of the Syro-Malankara Rite.

In coming to this Cathedral, I pay honour to the memory of Archbishop Mar Ivanios who is buried here. Among the many apostolic endeavours of this zealous pastor of souls, none was more dear to him than the promotion of unity among Christians. And this remains an important priority in the Church. Our Lord himself, on the night before he died, prayed "that they may all be one" , and he gave his life "to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad" . We must never tire then in our efforts to work for unity among Christians and to further harmony and peace in the world. May Mary the Mother of God assist us by her prayers. And may the Lord bless you all with his abundant joy and peace.

 

© Copyright 1986 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

 



Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana