An association of Parkinson’s sufferers has sent a letter of encouragement and appreciation to Pope John Paul II for the exemplary witness of perseverance that he is showing the world.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told Vatican Radio that the Holy Father received the letter at the Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to recover from a tracheotomy.  The group of Parkinson’s sufferers expressed their thanks to the Pope for the exemplary way in which he bears his sufferings.

The letter thanks the Holy Father for helping to improve “the image of those who are affected by this illness” and for showing “courage in continuing to work despite your sufferings.”