Letter to Pope John Paul II from the Canadian Bishops on the Occasion of the Pontiff’s 20th Anniversary of Election as Successor of Peter
Wednesday, October 14 1998Niagara Falls
His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Vatican City
Most Holy Father:
The Bishops of Canada, united in Plenary Assembly at Niagara Falls, Ontario, from October 15 to 20, 1998, convey their respectful greetings and affectionate congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of your election as the successor of Peter. Rendering thanks for the great fruitfulness of your pontificate, they fervently pray that the Lord grant you continued courage and strength in your apostolic ministry as the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 approaches. Ad multos et faustissimos annos!
During the course of their meeting, the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops will devote a full day to the theme of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for America. In preparation for the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, which you will release on the occasion of your visit to Mexico this coming January, the Bishops of Canada hope to render minds and hearts open to the pastoral significance of the Synod and ready for its practical implications for the Church in our country.
Our attention will also be addressed to other questions, including the future of the dioceses of Northern Canada, preparations for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, the establishment of a fund to assist in reconciliation, solidarity and communion with aboriginal peoples, and the implementation of the General Directory for Catechesis in support of religious education across Canada.
In a spirit of collegiality, we ask your Apostolic Blessing on our work and for the entire Church in Canada.
+ Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte
Archbishop of Montreal
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops