Papal Library

Ash Wednesday Homily of the Holy Father John Paul II March 8, 2000 1. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me (Ps 51: 10-11). Today, Ash Wednesday, this is how the Psalmist, King David, prays: a great...

Jubilee of Craftsmen Homily of the Holy Father John Paul II March 19, 2000 1. God, who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? (Rom 8:32). It is the Apostle Paul in his Letter to the Romans who asks this question, in which the central theme...

Beatification of 5 Servants of God Homily of the Holy Father John Paul II April 9, 2000 1. We wish to see Jesus (Jn 12: 21). This is the request made to Philip by some Greeks who went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. Their desire to meet Jesus and to hear his word prompts a solemn response: The hour has come...

Priests, By Ordination,Share in Christ's Mission Homily of the Holy Father John Paul II Holy Thursday, Chrism Mass April 20, 2000 1. To him who ... made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever (Rv 1:5-6). We listen to these words from the Book of Revelation at today's solemn Chrism...

Church of the Holy Sepulchre The holiest Christian site in Jerusalem . First built in the 4th century by Constantine's Mother Helena over the site of a Roman Pagan temple to Venus. The present building is crusader (12th century), and contains the last five stations of the cross. Also included are: the Chapels of Golgotha, where Jesus was stripped, crucified and removed...

Holy Father's Greeting to the Sick at Fátima May 13, 2000 Dear Pilgrims to Fátima! I would now like to offer a special greeting to the sick, who are present here in large numbers, but I also extend it to all who, at home or in hospital, have joined us in spirit. The Pope greets you with great affection, dear sick people,...