Message to the Brazilian people (29 June 1980)
ShareOn 29 June 1980, the Holy Father greeted the people of Brazil by radio and television prior to his Apostolic Journey there.
Dear brothers and sisters from Brazil:
Even before setting foot on Brazilian soil, I have the joy of reaching that country with my voice, addressing its people, through radio and television.
My message, at this moment, is above all a cordial greeting to the Brazilian people in general and to each Brazilian in particular. I greet the Church of Brazil in its Pastors and faithful. I greet the rulers and those responsible for the common good. I greet the families, with a special thought for young people and children. I greet those who suffer: the sick, the afflicted, the abandoned and those who find themselves alone.
I would also like to declare —but will it still be necessary to do so?— that I undertake these days without the slightest human pomp. I only carry one wealth: an unlimited affection for the good people of Brazil; a deep desire to proclaim the Good News to him, capable of giving him the happiness possible in this life, the seed of true happiness; the good will to contribute to consolidate the faith in the children of the Catholic Church in that country.
From the first moment, I wanted to make this trip a pilgrimage to Fortaleza, where the X National Eucharistic Congress is being prepared. Each city visited in this ancient land of Santa Cruz, passing through the national sanctuary of Nuestra Señora Aparecida, will be a stage on the way to the final goal: the solemn act of adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, mystery of faith and true food for life. eternal. All my pilgrimage through your country will be to arrive, together with Brazil, at the altar of the Eucharist.
I am sure that I will find the doors open to my message of peace and hope, sure that it will be welcomed, above all, by so many who try to live, in the light of the Gospel, the blessedness of those "who have a poor heart". .
Finally, I have to make a request to all those in Brazil who profess the Catholic faith; but I also extend it to my brothers, the Christians of other denominations, to all those who believe in God and to those who, even without the gift of faith, believe in the values of the spirit. I ask that you join me in entrusting to God the paths of these days, which I begin with the intimate conviction of corresponding to his adorable will. May the Lord be willing and willing to accept, at the end of the long itinerary, an abundant harvest of excellent fruits.
In the fervent anticipation of the personal meeting, reaffirming my affectionate esteem for all of beloved Brazil, I invoke upon this country-continent the fullness of divine blessings.
The Vatican , June 29 , 1980
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