Farewell Ceremony (23 February 1981)

 On 23 February 1981, the Holy Father departed from Guam, speaking words of farewell at the Agaña Airport. The Pope urged them to “always walk in the ways of love taking Jesus as your model and guide.”

Dear brothers and sisters, 

1. Too soon, it seems to me, I find myself having to say "goodbye". In these hours that I spent with you, we met, we encouraged each other, we prayed as one family before God, our heavenly Father. What joy and blessings are contained in these activities! 

2. My pastoral visit here was intended to offer strength for Christian life to all my brothers and sisters. I pray to the Lord that I have succeeded in this commitment of responsibility as Successor of Peter in the Church. I must also tell you that being with you has renewed my spirit. Through the enthusiasm and solidarity you have shown me, I have seen for myself the depth of your faith, your hope and your love. And this experience filled me with great happiness. 

3. As I am about to leave, I wish to echo the words of Saint Paul: "Be imitators of God as dear children" ( Eph5,1). Yes, always walk in the ways of love taking Jesus as your model and guide. Extend to the strangers among you the same hospitable kindness that you have shown me. Respect and safeguard the dignity of every human life, especially the elderly and the unborn. Strengthen the bonds of family life, making every home a haven of peace, respect and mutual love. Be ever vigilant to ensure that the ways of justice mark all aspects of your social life. And always be grateful for the material and spiritual blessings that God has bestowed upon you. Be aware that they are not given for a passing pleasure, but to help you know his constant, fatherly care for you. 

4. With all my heart I thank all those who played a part in this visit. First, I express my gratitude to the civil authorities who bear responsibility for the fate of the peoples of this territory. Secondly, I wish to thank my brothers in the Episcopate who have been with me during my stay, but especially Bishop Flores, whose welcome to this diocese has been so warm and generous. I don't want to forget the clergy, religious and lay people of the Diocese, all those I met and those who, due to illness or other reasons, were unable to come. Be sure that the Pope is with you all and that he is praying for you. To all the people of this vast area let me say, “God bless Guam and the other Mariana Islands! May God protect all the people of Micronesia! May He grant you true happiness as His children! May He always bless you with His peace! 

“Yes Yuus maase yan adios!” (Thank you and goodbye!) 

“Hu bendisi hamyu tolos: Gi naan i Tata, yan i Lahinia, yan i Espiritu Santu” (I bless you all: in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit). 

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