Witnesses to Hope

Witnesses to Hope

Witnesses to Hope. Spiritual Exercises Held in the Presence of His Holiness John Paul II

(Title in Italian: Testimoni della Speranza. Esercizi spirituali tenuti alla presenza di S.S. Giovanni Paolo II). Città Nuova Editrice, 2000.

This book contains 22 meditations written by Cardinal Van Thuân. The publication begins with a letter signed by Pope John Paul II and concludes with the words of His Holiness pronounced at the conclusion of the retreat the Cardinal give for the Roman Curia. 

“Founded on Scripture and the teachings of Church Fathers, as well as on your own personal experience, particularly during the time spent in prison for Christ and his Church, you have highlighted the power of the Word of God which, for the disciples of Christ, is ‘the strength of faith (…), the food of the soul, the pure and everlasting source of spiritual life’ (Dei Verbum, 21)”.

On 28 March 2000, Pope John Paul II expressed his gratitude to Cardinal Van Thuân with these words: “Through your fraternal and stimulating words, you have led us on the paths of hope that Christ has opened for us, renewing our humanity so as to make us new creatures, calling us to continual personal and ecclesial renewal”.