ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO A GROUP OF AMERICAN SEMINARIANS
STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEUVEN (BELGIUM)

Monday, 30 December 1985

Dear Friends,

I am happy to welcome you to the Vatican this morning. As American seminarians studying at Leuven you have the splendid opportunity of preparing for the Priesthood at a great Catholic intellectual centre, whose philosophical and theological tradition is a source of pride for the Church throughout the world.

I urge you to use your time well as you engage in the study of the written Word of God and of Sacred Tradition. These years of preparation are priceless one which can and should be decisive for your future as priestly ministers. At the same time however be persevering in allowing God’s word which you study and reflect upon to permeate your whole existence. Let prayer accompany your every action so that the power of his word may strengthen you and transform you into ever more effective instruments of grace for those whom you will serve.

Be assured of my prayers for you as you go about your work. In the words of Saint Paul: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3, 16-17).

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