Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - On Thursday 29 March at 5.30pm, Pope Benedict XVI will meet thousands of young Catholics of Rome diocese in St Peter’s Basilica to prepare for the 22nd Youth Day on Palm Sunday, 1 April. As the Pontiff recalled yesterday 25 March at the Angelus, the meeting will be a Penitential Liturgy, with private confession, during which the Pope himself will hear the confessions of a representative group of young people.
About 200 priests will be present to hear confessions. The theme of the meeting this year “Love one another as I have loved you” is the theme chosen by the Pope for the 22nd World Youth Day to be held this year as a diocesan celebration all over the world. The Liturgy in St Peter’s on March 29 will be «truly an opportunity for young Catholics together with their Bishop to encounter the grace and love of God » says Mgr Mauro Parmeggiani, general secretary of the Vicariate and director of Rome diocese youth pastoral service.
On Sunday 1 April at 9.30am the Pope will celebrate Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. In preparation for the event young people will take part in special prayer vigils in: Friday 30 at the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, with the Community of Taizé’ on Saturday 31 the Stations of the Cross with the WYD Cross through the streets of Tor Bella Monaca city district. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2007; righe 20, parole 286)
