NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- In the first Angelus audience of the year from his summer residence at Castel Gandalfo, Pope John Paul II yesterday emphasized the importance of the Sabbath-- a theme he had explored in his recent apostolic letter Dies Domini.

      Sunday is not the last day of the week, but the first, the Holy Father said. And it is "the day of faith par excellence"-- a day that should be given over the God.

      Observing the Sunday rest has human benefits as well, the Pope said, and the Sabbath can be a defense for contemporary Christians against the influence of "a hedonistic and frenetic approach to life."