POPE JOHN PAUL II

Web posted on: Tuesday, December 14, 1999 1:12:09 PM

(CNN) -- While many are focused on one day of celebration to ring in the year 2000, the Roman Catholic Church is gearing up for a year-long celebration commemorating the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Released in conjunction with the start of this celebration is "An Invitation to Joy," a collection of writings and speeches by Pope John Paul II.

"An Invitation to Joy" includes 175 photographs of the pontiff, as well essays by Time Magazine's Rome correspondent and papal observer Greg Burke.

From his beginnings as Karol Wojtyla in Poland, the book traces the pope's life journey to St. Peter's throne. Burke's writings throughout serve to provide historical, cultural and social context for the pope's words.

The book focuses on three themes for the Silver Jubilee year: The family; the people of God; and the dignity of the human person.

Published by Simon and Schuster with Callaway Editions and Leonardo Periodici, the book brings together selections from the pope's homilies , speeches, encyclicals, letters and even includes his private version of a prayer to the Virgin Mary, which he offers daily.