EUROPE/GERMANY - “On the ball” Church in Germany plans various initiatives alongside FIFA World Cup Championship 2006

Friday, 17 March 2006

Mainz (Fides) - When Germany hosts the FIFA World Cup this year from 9 June to 9 July, the Church in Germany will be ‘on the ball’ with a series of initiatives. A special web site www.kirche-am-ball.de has been opened for the occasion. Initiatives will range from church activities in the various towns where the matches are played to pastoral care for foreign players and supporters, news and moments of reflection organised by religious communities, associations and church charity institutes.
The local Church wants to play its part, putting into practice the motto chosen by FIFA Germany for this event “Die Weld zu Gast bei Freunden” “The World is coming to stay with Friends” the President of the German Catholic Bishops’ Conference Cardinal Karl Lehmann explained, adding that 480 parishes all over the country were ready to welcome non German-speaking Catholics with masses and pastoral and other assistance in the language of the players and fans. First contact has already been made with foreign football team coaches and club managers said Fr Wolfgang Miele national director for pastoral care for foreigners. In towns where the matches are played the Church will take part in City Council cultural events with guided visits to churches, prayer meetings, all kinds of assistance and support also for people with special needs.
In Munich on the occasion of the opening of the championship on June 9 there will be an ecumenical prayer service at 11am in the Catholic cathedral. “We will pray the Championship may be a happy event and also thank God for the world’s many different cultures represented in our country by many visitors for this World Cup event” said Cardinal Lehmann. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 17/3/2006 - 22 righe, 301 parole)
See web site
www.kirche-am-ball.de


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