NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II has sent a message of encouragement to Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the president of the Italian bishops' conference, as the Italian bishops launch a campaign of daily prayer for that country.

      The Holy Father called upon the faithful to be vigilant in prayer, and to incorporate into their prayers the social and political realities of their nation. His message, dated August 6, was made public by the Vatican press office today, as the Italian drive was inaugurated at Loretto, where a symbolic lamp was lit in the famous Marian sanctuary to stand for the prayers of the Italian people for their country.

      The Pope welcomed the prayer campaign, which is one of the many initiatives undertaken to prepare the Church for the Jubilee Year 2000. He applauded the choice of Loretto, as an indication of the Italian devotion to the Virgin Mary. And in a reference to the symbolic lamp, he added: "It reminds us, at the same time, that it is they duty of Christians to be watchful, with our lamps lit, and to persevere in prayer and fidelity to the Gospel, to bring the light of Truth and the love of Christ to bear on the different social, political, cultural, and economic realities of our existence."