Castel Gandolfo (AsiaNews) – Listening to the word of God is the most important thing in our lives and holidays are the ideal for rediscovering the primacy of our inner life. Although reading slowly, a tanned and in shape John Paul II was back in Castel Gandolfo after his short vacation in Valle d'Aosta (Italy). His thoughts were for the people of this region and those of the Lazio town that now welcomed him.

A warm atmosphere permeated the gathering matched only by the greetings and songs of people from places as different as Poland, France, Spain, and of course Italy. A down-to-earth home feeling prevailed, enhanced only by the presence of the Pope who sat in the courtyard rather stood at the window.

"I came back yesterday," the Pontiff said speaking to the faithful in the courtyard of the Castel Gandolfo villa, "from my short vacation in Valle d'Aosta and today's Angelus gives me the opportunity to greet you all."

"On this Sunday," the Pope went on to say, "the liturgy lets us reflect on the episode in the Gospels in which Mary and Martha welcomed Jesus in their home. Even as Martha was cumbered about much serving, Mary sat at the teacher's feet listening to his words. Christ said that 'Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' Listening to the word of God is accordingly the most important thing in our lives."

"Christ is always among us and his wish is to speak to our hearts," the Pope added. "We can listen to him and meditate the Holy Scriptures, absorbed alone or with others in prayer, lingering in silence before the tabernacle from which He tells us his love. Sunday in particular is for Christians the day on which they are called to meet and listen to the Lord. This happens in its fullest sense when partaking in the Holy Mass in which Christ sets the Table of the Word and Bread of Life for the faithful. But other moments of prayer and meditation, rest and fraternity, also play a part in blessing the Lord's Day."

"When," the Pope said, "God dwells in the hearts of the faithful because of the intervention of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easier to serve our brothers and sisters. In a unique and perfect way, this is what happened to Mary Most Holy. We commend this time of holiday to her that it may encourage us to rediscover the primacy of our inner life."

Following the Marian Prayer, John Paul II spoke to his "fellow townsfolk" telling them "I am happy to be among you, dear citizens of Castel Gandolfo and I thank you for your always warm welcome."

The Pope went on to thank Card. Angelo Sodano, the Vatican Secretary of State, titular Bishop of the Albano Archdiocese, Bishops Agostino Vallini and Paolo Gillet, the local parish priest, the mayor and other city officials, the Director and staff of the villas, and all the "dear residents of Castel Gandolfo."

The Pope concluded the Angelus by "greeting all the Italian-speaking pilgrims with affection and wishing one and all a good Sunday."