VATICAN - “Christ hope of Europe” - Tomorrow University students all over Europe join Rosary prayer with Pope John Paul II in live links with capitals of new EU member nations

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Christ hope for Europe” is the theme of the 2nd Day for European University Students which will take place in Rome, Saturday 13 March. Patronised by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, the Commission of Bishops Conferences of the European Community and organised by the Office for University Pastoral of Rome diocese, the Day will mark the joining of 10 countries as members in the European Union.
The main event will be a Prayer Vigil with Pope John Paul II in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican at 6pm. The event will be linked live with the capitals of the 10 countries about to become EU members: Tallinn Vilnius, Riga, Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, Lubiana, Budapest, Valletta, Nicosia.
The programme foresees the entrance of the Youth Cross in the Paul VI Hall, and the presentation of reflections and testimony on the theme “Christ, hope for Europe ”, with speakers from the Hall and from other European capitals. There will follow the recitation of the Holy Rosary led by the Pope and the evening will close with a procession with the Cross to Piazza Navona. The Vigil will be animated by about 1,800 voices, members of choirs from various universities and conservatories in Italy. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2004; Righe 14; Parole 180)