Meeting with the Local Church in the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro (2 July 1980)

On Wednesday, 2 July 1980, the Holy Father met with the local Church in the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, whom he greeted and to whom he gave his Apostolic Blessing.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In my pilgrimage through Brazil I have already had the joy of being able to see much of your beautiful country and of the goodness, noble sentiments and spirit of faith of its people. Here I am seeing the same thing. God be praised.

I thank my dear brother, Cardinal Eugenio de Araújo Sales, and, through him, everyone for the excellent welcome that is now being given to me and that I have had here in the archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro: from the commission for preparations, to all the bodies and people who attended.

With the Cardinal Archbishop, I would like to greet his auxiliary bishops and all the diocesan and religious priests who make up the local presbyterate and in a particular and intimate way share with the diocesan pastor the responsibility of messengers and distributors of the goods of salvation. As "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" you seek to build up the Church here, with well-developed pastoral plans. Always be the visible presence of the sacred in this great metropolis, living and acting as each of you is in reality: an "alter Christus", who goes about doing good.

I also greet the religious present and represented here. I know you are well organised, here in Rio, and I know your support for pastoral work, as well as the ever-essential support for your prayer life. Live your consecration with generous commitment, adherence and availability to the Lord. Live it in the Church and at the service of the Church's mission. Strong in faith, be joyful in hope!

And to all the diocesan faithful - from the assistants of the Cardinal Archbishop, to the employees of the diocese and to those who dedicate themselves to charitable and assistance activities, passing through seminarians, fathers and mothers of families, young people and children, up to the "most little ones”, to those who suffer in body or soul - in short, to all, without wanting to forget anyone, my cordial greetings and the assurance of my esteem in Christ.

I leave this reminder of my meeting with the Pope to all: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord”. And, in all things and always, "serve Christ the Lord" (Col 3:23-24).

With my apostolic blessing!

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