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JOHN PAUL II RELIVES THE "GREAT EMOTION" OF FATIMA
VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2000 (VIS) - "The emotion is still very great which I felt
yesterday in my heart in Fatima, as I proclaimed as Blesseds the shepherd children Jacinta and
Francisco who, together with Lucia, who is still living, had the privilege of seeing Our Lady and
speaking to her."
Prior to reciting the noon Regina Coeli prayer, with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square,
the Pope re-lived his brief journey to Fatima, adding that he had "entrusted Our Lady with all the
needs and intentions of the Church, including praying for vocations. Today in fact, we celebrate
The World Day of Prayer for Vocations."
The Holy Father then pointed out that, "according to a meaningful custom, the Fourth Sunday of
Easter, known as 'Good Shepherd' Sunday, I was happy to have been able to ordain new
priests for the diocese of Rome." He asked the faithful to pray for these priests.
"In this month of May, traditionally dedicated to Mary," he observed, "(and) welcoming the
invitation that the Virgin extended in Fatima to believers, let us pray and do penance for the
Church, for the holiness of priests, for the conversion of all who live in sin and for peace in the
world."
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