May We be Guided More and More by the Holy Spirit Pope John Paul II General Audience September 13, 2000 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The history of the Church is the history of the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the faithful. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit in baptism, we become God’s adopted children and we receive the grace necessary to follow the path of salvation. The Spirit guides us to the fullness of truth, he frees us from the power of sin and he is our support in times of trial. He brings forth in the lives of Christ’s followers fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22). While he gives a variety of gifts and charisms to the Church’s members, the Holy Spirit safeguards the unity of the Church. In this Year of the Great Jubilee, may we be guided more and more by the Holy Spirit, so that we may always do what is pleasing to God and thus discover our true dignity and freedom. I extend a special greeting to the Jubilee pilgrimages from the Dioceses of Cloyne and Cork and Ross, led by Bishop John Magee; Derry, led by Bishop Se©amus Hegarty and Emeritus Bishop Edward Daly; Aberdeen, led by Bishop Mario Conti; the Archdiocese of Dubuque, led by Archbishop Jerome Hanus; and the Diocese of Alexandria, led by Bishop Samuel Jacobs. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America, I invoke the abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit.