APOSTOLIC JOURNEY
TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC,
MEXICO AND THE BAHAMAS

MEETING WITH MONS. BARTOLOMÉ CARRASCO,
THE ARCHBISHOP OF OAXACA

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II

Oaxaca, Mexico
Monday, 29 January 1979 

Lord Archbishop,
Beloved Brothers and Sons,

Many thanks to you all for the cordial reception you have given me on my arrival at this land of Oaxaca. Many thanks, too, to the Lord Archbishop for his words of welcome.

I am overcome with emotion and grateful wonder at seeing with what affability, with what enthusiasm, you welcome me in your midst: a sign beyond all doubt that you have always felt very close in affection to the Vicar of Christ, the Pastor of the universal Church and, therefore, yours also.

At this first meeting with you, l wish only to express to you my deep respect and appreciation for this land of Oaxaca, rich in history, traditions, and religious spirit; the cradle, furthermore, of various peoples that are natives of this area who have left an indelible mark on Mexican history. Peoples and men who have bequeathed to you something that you cultivate as a real heritage: deep esteem for moral and. spiritual values.

I also greet very cordially those who were unable to come here, particularly the sick and the old. To all of them and to you, my fullest Blessing.

 

© Copyright 1979  Libreria Editrice Vaticana