Pope encourages Redemptorists to help others find way to holiness

Published: 2003-10-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II encouraged the Redemptorists to follow the example of their founder, St. Alphonsus Liguori, in helping each person they meet discover the path to holiness. Pope John Paul met Oct. 3 with more than 100 Redemptorists participating in their order's general chapter meeting. One of the priests at the audience later said that despite media alarms about his health the pope was able to read the text of his three-page message to the group. Pope John Paul told the priests, "The paths to holiness are personal" and, therefore, wise counselors are needed to offer guidance "adapted to the rhythms of each individual." The pope said, "The complex society in which we live makes the importance of this apostolic service even more important" because of the contradictory values and lifestyle choices it proposes, especially to the young.

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