Macerata-Loreto The Pilgrimage The Joy of Belonging John Paul II His Excellency, the Most Reverend Luigi Conti, Bishop of Macerata On the occasion of the annual pilgrimage from Macerata to the sanctuary of Loreto, I send my warmest greetings to the participants from Italy and from various parts of Europe, while expressing lively appreciation for the suggestive initiative which symbolizes the desire to follow Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, spreading everywhere His Gospel of salvation. I wish for those taking part in such a significant moment of ecclesial communion, rediscovering the joy of belonging to the people of God, a renewed experience of prayer, imploring the motherly intercession of Mary that she help believers to keep an ever-more intimate relationship with Jesus, loving Him and making Him loved. With these wishes, I invoke on the pilgrims abundant heavenly graces and I willingly send you, venerable brother, to Cardinal Renato Martino who presides at the Eucharistic celebration, to Msgr Angelo Comastri, to the priests, and to all those present a special apostolic blessing.