Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – The entire day of May 30 will be dedicated to Saint Paul and the Mission, which will be carried out by nearly 5,000 children from all over Italy, as well as other European countries: Croatia, Czech Republic, French, German, Ireland, Poland, Spain, and Hungary. In this year of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Apostle to the Gentiles, the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Holy Childhood Association (POSI) and the National Secretariat of Italy of the HCA (POIM) have organized the Pauline Pilgrimage to Rome for the Missionary Children (see Fides 10/2/2009).
The day will be divided into two parts. In the morning, they will have an audience with the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the Paul VI Audience Hall, following their celebration entitled “Ragazzi, missionari come Paolo” (Youth Missionaries Like Paul). In the afternoon, they will attend a Mass in the Basilica of Saint Paul, presided by Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, during which they will renew their baptismal promises and their missionary commitment.
“We are very excited for the kids, for their being able to meet the Holy Father,” the National Secretary of the POIM, Fr. Pietro Pierobon, SX, and of dialoguing with him. Three children will be chosen to ask the Pope questions. This will also be an opportunity for the children to rediscover the missionary figure of Saint Paul, to see an example of someone who has learned to go beyond their border to dialogue and listen to other cultures, so as to preach Christ.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2009)
