MARIAZELL, Austria, SEPT. 9, 2007, (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent out Austrian parish council members, armed with the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, as missionaries of the new evangelization.

The Pope received 10 representatives from Austrian parish councils on Saturday, at the end of the Mass celebrated at the shrine of Mariazell. After presenting them with two books from the New Testament, he sent them out as missionaries.

He said: "Continue to walk in the faith and, faithful to the mandate that has been entrusted to you, go out with solicitude and joy toward all creatures and pass on to them the gifts of salvation.

"Let yourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit to be the leaven of new life, salt of the earth and light of the world."

ZE07090906 - 2007-09-09