VATICAN - Sunday, June 21, the Holy Father Benedict XVI travels to San Giovanni Rotondo

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, June 21, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will pay a pastoral visit to San Giovanni Rotondo. The program issued by the Holy See Press Office says that at 9:15 the Pope's helicopter will arrive from the Vatican, landing in the Antonio Massi Sports Field. At 9:35, he will make a private visit to the Our Lady of Grace Shrine, to venerate the remains of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, in the Crypt. At 10:30, he will preside a Mass on the esplanade of the Church of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and lead the recitation of the Angelus. In the afternoon, at 4:45, the Holy Father will meet with directors, employees and patients of the hospital established by Padre Pio, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (the "Home to Relieve Suffering"). At 5:30, the Pope will meet with priests, religious, and youth in the church of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. At 6:30, the Holy Father will board the helicopter to return to the Vatican. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2009)