Speech to the Working Committees (21 February 1981)

On 21 February 1981, the Holy Father spoke at the Apostolic Nunciature, to the working committees who collaborated in preparing and coordinating his pastoral visit to the Philippines, expressing his sincere thanks for their assistance and cooperation.

Dear friends, 

1. I am pleased to meet the members of the Working Committees, who collaborated in preparing and coordinating my pastoral visit to the Philippines. To each of you in particular I owe a debt of gratitude. 

From the beginning of my pontificate, I have ardently desired to come on a pastoral visit to your country, coinciding with the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz. And now, thank God, my wish has come true. But my visit would not have been successful if it had not been for your diligent efforts and generous cooperation, preparation and planning. In this way you truly participated in the mission I received from God, because you assisted the Pastor of the universal Church in his task of confirming his brothers in the faith. 

2. I greatly appreciate all the assistance given by His Excellency President Marcos and the entire Government of the Philippines. Without such assistance, my visit would not have been possible. Due recognition also goes to the Governor of Metro Manila, Her Excellency Mrs. Imelda Marcos, and to all the local authorities who collaborated with generosity and enthusiasm. 

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Government Committees, for their generous assistance and cooperation. May the Lord pour out upon you and your loved ones the blessings of joy and peace. 

3. And I also extend a cordial word of gratitude to all the members of the ecclesiastical committees. You represent a cross-section of the entire Church in this beloved country – Bishops, priests, religious and lay people –; I know that much of your contribution has remained hidden and is known to God alone. And for all your efforts, sacrifices and prayers I am deeply grateful. 

I pray that my pilgrimage of faith will be an encouragement and a grace for each of you in your individual lives as Christians; may you find new vigor in the words of Saint Paul: "I exhort you... to behave in a manner worthy of the vocation you have received" ( Eph 4:1). May the heavenly Father make you and your families strong in faith, joyful in hope, one in love, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in glory. 

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