EUROPE/ITALY - In the footsteps of Peter and Paul, young members of Opera Don Orione join 14th “New Year’s Eve with a Difference” dedicated to Pope Benedict XVI

Rome (Fides Service) - More than 500 young people aged 17 to 30 from Italy and other countries of Europe will take part in the 14th “New Year’s Eve with a Difference” event 29 December to 1 January 2007 promoted by the Opera Don Orione which has dedicated it to Pope Benedict XVI. The headquarters will be at the Istituto Don Orione, Montemario in Rome.
"The programme is intense - says General Counsellor Rev Silvestro Sowizdrzal, also youth pastoral delegate. It starts with a welcome party on 29 December. The 30th will be a day of retracing the Footsteps of Peter and Paul in art, history and faith and rediscovering Christian roots. On 31 in St Peter’s Square, there will be an evening prayer vigil dedicated to Pope Benedict XVI. The event will conclude with Mass on 1 January in the church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, presided by the director general of the Opera Don Orione, Don Flavio Peloso”.
“This year we have young people coming from Italy, Poland, Ireland, Spain and Holland. This shows that the young generations feel the need to rediscover traditions and authentic values buried with business by our consumer society" said Don Sowizdrzal. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2006; righe 18; parole 254)