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      VATICAN CITY, MAY 23 (ZENIT).- On the day when a billion Catholics in the world celebrated the feast of Pentecost, John Paul II recalled the meeting organized last year for ecclesial movements, which turned out to be one of the most numerous events in Saint Peter's Square during the twenty years of his entire pontificate.

      In fact, the Pontiff said, "new ecclesial movements and new communities are a real gift of the Spirit to the Church at the end of the century, and one of the new signs stemming from Vatican Council II."

      "Last year's meeting produced extraordinary fruits," the Holy Father said. "Initiatives have multiplied, which nourish the movements' and communities' sense of communion to increase cooperation among them, as well as with local churches and parishes."

      The Pope announced that the Pontifical Council for the Laity has organized a Congress which will focus on the topic, 'Ecclesial Movements and New Communities and the Bishops' Pastoral Care.' The Pope believes that it is precisely from this collaboration between the new entities and the Church's hierarchy that the Christians' "missionary impulse" in "a secularized world," largely depends; it is based on "a radical experience of faith in Christ, an experience which is expressed in prayer, unity and proclamation" of the Good News.

      Before saying farewell to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square on a bright Roman sunlit day, the Holy Father greeted the participants of the marathon "With Padre Pio, on the Paths to the Jubilee," organized by the "Peace Courier" association.

      After greeting the runners from various regions of Italy, as well as the mayors who participated in the marathon, John Paul II said that "Blessed Padre Pio was a real athlete of peace, tempered by prayer and penance, and led by the Holy Spirit. May his example and intercession be a stimulus and relief for all." ZE99052309

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