Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – The OFTAL (Italian group “Lourdes Federation for Transporting the Sick”) celebrates its 50th anniversary of its official recognition in Milan. The recognition was given by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, future Paul VI, on August 30, 1959 in a signed letter conserved at their headquarters in Milan.
An encounter entitled “Suffering and disabilities in today's society: a limit or a value?” including the participation of Mario Melazzini, President of the AISLA (Italian Sclerosis Association). There will be play areas for children and a community luncheon, followed by a Mass in Thanksgiving at 4pm presided by Archbishop Enrico Masseroni of Vercelli, President of the College of OFTAL Bishops.
Over the course of the year, there will be various moments that will commemorate OFTAL's services over the years. There will be various activities at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
“We want to continue being faithful to the message, to the invitation made us by Cardinal Montini in 1959. Our association, in fact, cannot be a mere travel agency, but should offer privileged attention to other aspects: attention to the poor, prayer, personal formation. This is what we have sought to carry out over the years,” said OFTAL President Giorgio Caprino. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2009)
