Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 in the Vatican National Directors of Pastoral Care for Gypsies are attending a meeting organised by the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, to reflect on the document Guidelines for Pastoral Care of Gypsies published a year ago by the Council on 8 December 2005. The National Directors come from the countries which have specific pastoral care for Shinti, Roma people: European countries, United States, Mexico, Brazil and India. Representatives of Bangladesh, Chile, Philippines and Indonesia will take part for the first time. According to data issued by the Pontifical Council in the world there are 36 million gypsies, including 18 million in India, between 9 and 12 million in Europe, and about 1 million in the United States of America.
The Meeting, opened by Council President Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, with an introduction by Council Secretary Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, is articulated in two moments. The mornings will be dedicated to conferences followed by a general discussion. In the afternoon the participants will form groups for reflection on problems and suggestions for the future. The Guidelines will be examined by experts and scholars from the anthropological, sociological, theological and ecclesial, as well as the historic and juridical-legislative aspects. The Church is present among gypsies with priests, men and women religious assisted by lay helpers. The pastoral care aims to meet the special needs of these people and at times members of church personnel even live in the rest camps with the gypsies as a sort of bridge-community. They face no few difficulties and challenges due to diverse culture, mentality and beliefs. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/12/2006, righe 24, parole 322)
