To the pilgrims from Indonesia (June 19, 1989)

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ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II
TO THE PILGRIMS FROM INDONESIA

Monday, 19 June 1989

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am very happy to welcome you here today on the occasion of your parish pilgrimage to Rome and to Lourdes: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1, 2).

It is very fitting that as part of your pilgrimage you should visit the tombs of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, who are the pillars of the Roman Church. As the Preface for the Mass of their Feast Day tells us: “Each in his chosen way gathered into unity the one family of Christ” – Peter “from the faithful flock of Israel” and Paul as “the teacher of the world”. Within his family of Christ we too are gathered together in bonds of unity, charity and peace. By honouring the martyrs and saints of Rome you bear witness to a living tradition of faith that unites people of all times and places in proclaiming Christ and his Gospel.

You have also come to Rome to visit the Pope, the Successor of Saint Peter. I am deeply grateful for your love and prayerful support, and I look forward to returning your visit later this year so that I may witness at first hand the Church’s life in your country. I urge you always to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel in word and deed. In this way you will lead others to Christ.

As you make your way to Lourdes I ask the Virgin Mother of God to intercede for you and your fellow parishioners, and for all the Catholic people of Indonesia. May she watch over your pilgrimage and keep you always in her care. With affection in the Lord I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to each of you and to your families and loved ones.