Date: 2006-02-05

Pope Pays Tribute to Women's Evangelizing Work

Benedict XVI Visits Vatican Parish

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 5, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XIV paid tribute to the often hidden work of evangelization undertaken by millions of women, when he visited the Vatican parish of St. Anne.

The Pope celebrated Mass in the parish this morning, and during the homily he commented on the painting over the church's altar, which depicts St. Anne explaining the Scriptures to her daughter, the Virgin Mary.

"Women are also the first bearers of the Gospel's Word of God; they are authentic evangelists," he explained in reference to the work carried out by so many mothers, grandmothers and women committed to various professions or to service in parish communities.

The Bishop of Rome took advantage of the opportunity to express "a profound thank you to all women … who always help us to know the Word of God again, not only with the intelligence but also with the heart."

The Pope was welcomed by his vicar general for Vatican City, Archbishop Angelo Comastri, and by the parish priest, Father Gioele Schiavella.

The territory of the Parish of St. Anne covers more than 4 hectares (about 10 acres) of Vatican City State, and has some 500 parishioners. Pastoral care is entrusted to the Augustinians.

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