Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On the morning of Sunday 9 March, the Pope will celebrate the Eucharist in the Roman church of San Lorenzo in Piscibus. The church is part of the San Lorenzo International Youth Center which is located very near St. Peter's Square. The center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. An initiative of Pope John Paul II, it is also supported by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The "house for young people" is located next to the Holy See, is "a place of welcome, prayer, formation and encounter for young people from all over the world who are in Rome on pilgrimage". It is also "the site where the World Youth Day cross is kept". The San Lorenzo International Youth Center was inaugurated by John Paul II on 13 March 1983, Extraordinary Jubilee of the 1950 anniversary of Redemption, in honor of the International Youth Jubilee, the event that later inspired the World Youth Days.
On this occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Center, the Pontifical Council for the Laity has organized a calendar of events that will be above all intended for the young people who frequent the Center, those who have served there, and the Catholic youth organizations that have supported the initiative since its beginnings.
On Thursday 13 March, the youth of the diocese of Rome will carry the Cross of the Holy Year to the Center in a solemn procession. A Eucharistic celebration will follow, this time presided by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. It will be followed by a prayer vigil and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, due to last until midnight. On Friday 14 March, another vigil will take place, organized by the community of Taize and presided by Frere Alois, prior of the community. On Saturday 15 March a meeting of reflection and witness will be held on the theme of "the history and mission of the San Lorenzo International Center." The event will be participated by the present coordinators of the Center, as well as, by those who have promoted it in its foundation and those who have worked in the Center over the years. The encounter will close with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Josef Clemens, Secretary for the Pontifical Council for the Laity. In the evening, the Emmanuel School of Mission will hold a vigil in preparation for the World Youth Day traditionally held every year on Palm Sunday. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/3/2008 righe 29, parole 412)
