Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - During a press conference to present a special meeting next Sunday, September 5, in Loreto, of Catholic Action members from all over the world with Pope John Paul II, Paola Bignardi president of Catholic Action Italy said “This is the first time since Vatican II that Catholic Action comes together as a whole and it will be an opportunity to gather as a family open to the world”.
Thousands have already arrived in the dioceses of the Marche, the region in which Loreto is situated. Intense preparation will precede the event starting from Wednesday September 1, with a service at Porta Potenza Picena Hospital. “We decided to start with a meeting at a hospital to include and be close to the sick, the suffering, those most in need” Paola Bignardi said.
Mgr. Lanfranco Lambiasi, Assistant General of CA Italy explaining the reasons for the pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Loreto, said “Catholic Action is going to Loreto first of all to listen to Mary. As Christians we can never be separated from Mary, this would impoverish our faith and make it an ideology. Going to Loreto also means listening to the, yes, pronounced by Mary, the first human being to give herself totally to the will of the Lord”.
“We want to thank the Holy Father for the affection and sensitivity with which he has always followed Catholic Action and we want to make a fresh start from Loreto as a more united association in order to continue with new vigour our missionary work” the two leading members of Catholic Action Italy told the media.
ACI informs us that so far 100,000 members have joined the pilgrimage and at the solemn Sunday Mass Pope John Paul II will concelebrate with 177 cardinals and bishops and more than 1,450 priests. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/8/2004 righe 27 parole 302)
