HOW POPE SAYS DEMOCRACY WORKS TOGETHER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS OF ALL, A PILGRIMAGE TO ROME IN YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025! (725 hits)
For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
(A Ten-Minute Read)
Pope: Democracy Is Working Together To Solve Problems Of All
On the occasion of the Pope’s visit to Trieste on Sunday, July 7, for the conclusion of the 50th Italian Catholic Social Week, the newspaper “Il Piccolo” has made available a previously unpublished text by Pope Francis, an introduction to an anthology of papal speeches and messages entitled “At the Heart of Democracy.” Pope Francis
I am delighted to offer these words to introduce this text, which the newspaper Il Piccolo and Libreria Editrice Vaticana are offering to readers in conjunction with my visit to Trieste on the occasion of the Social Weeks.
My presence in Trieste, a city with a strong central European flavor because of the coexistence of different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, takes place in conjunction with the event that the Italian Bishops’ Conference have organized in this city, the Italian Catholic Social Week, dedicated this year to the theme,” “At the Heart of Democracy: Participation throughout history and into the future.”
Democracy, we know well, is a term that originated in ancient Greece to indicate the power exercised by the people through their representatives. A form of government that, while it has spread globally in recent decades, seems to be suffering the consequences of a dangerous disease, that of “democratic skepticism.” The difficulty of democracies in taking on the complexities of the present time – think of the issues related to unemployment or the overwhelming technocratic paradigm – sometimes seems to yield to the allure of populism. Democracy has inherent in it a great and unquestionable value: that of being “together,” of the fact that the exercise of government takes place within the framework of a community that freely and secularly confronts each other in the art of the common good, which is nothing more than a different name for what we call politics.
“Together” is synonymous with “participation.” Don Lorenzo Milani and his companions already emphasized this in the masterful “Letter to a Teacher”: “I have learned that the problems of others are the same as mine. To come out of them together is politics. To come out alone is stinginess.” Yes, the problems before us are everyone’s and they affect everyone. The democratic way is to discuss them together and know that only together can such problems find a solution. Because in a community such as the human community, one does not save oneself. Nor does the axiom of mors tua vita mea [“your death is my life”, - ed.] apply. On the contrary. Even microbiology suggests to us that the human is structurally open to the dimension of otherness and the encounter with a “you” who stands before us. Giuseppe Toniolo himself, the inspirer and founder of the Social Week, was a scholar of economics who understood very well the limits of homo oeconomicus, that is, of that anthropological vision based on “materialistic utilitarianism,” as he called it, which atomizes the person, amputating his relational dimension.
Here, thinking today about what the “heart” of democracy means, I want to say: Together is better because alone is worse. Together is good because alone is sad. Together means that one plus one does not make two, but three, because participation and cooperation create what economists call added value, that is, that positive and almost concrete sense of solidarity, which comes from sharing and advancing, for example in the public arena, issues on which to find convergence.
After all, it is in the word “participate” that we find the authentic sense of what democracy is, of what it means to go to the heart of a democratic system. In a statist or dirigiste regime, no one participates; everyone watches, passive. Democracy, on the other hand, demands participation, demands putting in one’s own effort, risking confrontation, bringing one’s own ideals, one’s own reasons, into the question. Taking risks. But risk is the fertile soil in which freedom germinates. While instead, standing at the window, watching idly what is happening around us, is not only ethically unacceptable but also, even from a selfish perspective, neither wise nor convenient.
There are so many social issues on which we are called to engage democratically: let us think of an intelligent and creative reception of migrant, which cooperates and integrates; a phenomenon that Trieste knows well as it is close to the so-called Balkan route; let us think about the demographic winter, which now pervasively affects all of Italy, and some regions in particular; let us think about the choice of authentic policies for peace, which put the art of negotiation and not the choice of rearmament in first place. In short: let us consider the caring for others that Jesus continually points us to in the Gospel as the authentic attitude in being people.
From Trieste, a city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and peoples; a metaphor for that human brotherhood to which we aspire in these times overshadowed by war, may a more convinced commitment to a fully participatory democratic life aimed at the true common good spring forth. After all, it is in the word “participate” that we find the authentic sense of what democracy is, of what it means to go to the heart of a democratic system. In a statist or dirigiste regime, no one participates; everyone watches, passive. Democracy, on the other hand, demands participation, demands putting in one’s own effort, risking confrontation, bringing one’s own ideals, one’s own reasons, into the question. Taking risks. But risk is the fertile soil in which freedom germinates. While instead, standing at the window, watching idly what is happening around us, is not only ethically unacceptable but also, even from a selfish perspective, neither wise nor convenient.
There are so many social issues on which we are called to engage democratically: let us think of an intelligent and creative reception of migrant, which cooperates and integrates; a phenomenon that Trieste knows well as it is close to the so-called Balkan route; let us think about the demographic winter, which now pervasively affects all of Italy, and some regions in particular; let us think about the choice of authentic policies for peace, which put the art of negotiation and not the choice of rearmament in first place. In short: let us consider the caring for others that Jesus continually points us to in the Gospel as the authentic attitude in being people.
From Trieste, a city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and peoples; a metaphor for that human brotherhood to which we aspire in these times overshadowed by war, may a more convinced commitment to a fully participatory democratic life aimed at the true common good spring forth.
After all, it is in the word “participate” that we find the authentic sense of what democracy is, of what it means to go to the heart of a democratic system. In a statist or dirigiste regime, no one participates; everyone watches, passive. Democracy, on the other hand, demands participation, demands putting in one’s own effort, risking confrontation, bringing one’s own ideals, one’s own reasons, into the question. Taking risks. But risk is the fertile soil in which freedom germinates. While instead, standing at the window, watching idly what is happening around us, is not only ethically unacceptable but also, even from a selfish perspective, neither wise nor convenient.
There are so many social issues on which we are called to engage democratically: let us think of an intelligent and creative reception of migrant, which cooperates and integrates; a phenomenon that Trieste knows well as it is close to the so-called Balkan route; let us think about the demographic winter, which now pervasively affects all of Italy, and some regions in particular; let us think about the choice of authentic policies for peace, which put the art of negotiation and not the choice of rearmament in first place. In short: let us consider the caring for others that Jesus continually points us to in the Gospel as the authentic attitude in being people.
From Trieste, a city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and peoples; a metaphor for that human brotherhood to which we aspire in these times overshadowed by war, may a more convinced commitment to a fully participatory democratic life aimed at the true common good spring forth.
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Eastern African Bishops Reiterate Commitment to Child Safeguarding
The Bishops of Eastern Africa wrap up a consultative meeting in Kenya with a renewed commitment to safeguard minors and vulnerable adults. By Sr. Roselyne Wambani Wafula, fsp
At the end of a four-day consultative meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, representatives from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Bishops Coordinating Safeguarding reaffirmed their firm commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults.
AMECEA leaders emphasized their role as stewards entrusted with the care of all creation, drawing inspiration from Scripture. They highlighted the importance of children, recognizing them as "a gift from God" and a significant portion of the population in Eastern African countries.
"We echo Pope Francis' sentiment that a society which neglects its elderly and its children has no future," stated Bishop Charles Kasonde of Solwezi, Zambia, and AMECEA Chairperson for Safeguarding. "The Church in the AMECEA region acknowledges the challenges faced by children, including poverty, abuse, and exploitation. We are committed to creating a safe haven for all within the Church."
The gathering, which concluded on July 4, brought together officials from AMECEA and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) to discuss child safeguarding strategies.
Their plan for the future emphasizes creating a safe environment within the Church for children and vulnerable adults. It includes reviewing and updating safeguarding policies to align with best practices and the PCPM's guidelines. Additionally, the Church will work to bridge knowledge and skill gaps among clergy, staff, and affiliates through training programs.
The AMECEA Bishops acknowledged the lasting impact of abuse on survivors and pledged their support for the Memorare Initiative, which offers counseling, spiritual guidance, and rescue services.
Meeting on the protection of minors
They emphasized listening to survivors, validating their experiences, and ensuring access to justice and healing.
The Bishops’ commitment extends to transparency and accountability. The Church will operate within the legal framework and actively engage communities through workshops and campaigns to raise awareness and promote a culture of vigilance and care.
The closing statement from Bishop Kasonde urged all community members to join in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Mauritania Migrant Tragedy Highlights Need For Better EU Policy
The bodies of 89 migrants have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Mauritania in West Africa after the capsizing of a fishing vessel. At least 170 people are believed to have been on board. By Linda Bordoni
Pope: ‘Welcome, Promote, Accompany, And Integrate’ Refugees
Mauritanian Coast Guard officers recovered the bodies of 89 people who were aboard a large traditional fishing boat when it capsized in choppy Atlantic waters.
Nine people were rescued, including a five-year-old girl, but survivors said there were at least 170 people on board the boat, leaving 72 missing. The migrants had set out from the Gambia/Senegal border a week ago, and were bound for Europe.
The boat reportedly capsized just 4 km from Mauritania’s coastal city of Ndiago.
More and more desperate migrants follow the dangerous route from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwestern African coast and then to other parts of Spain and Europe.
Over 5,000 people are known to have died on that route in the first five months of this year.
Agreement Between EU And Mauritania
World Refugee Day: The Search For (a better) Life
A controversial deal was signed in March between the EU and Mauritania to combat irregular migration. Mauritania promised to reduce the number of migrants transiting through its territory in exchange for 210 million euros. Part of the Mauritanian opposition is protesting against the agreement, particularly regarding the reception and accommodation of migrants turned away or expelled from Europe. It argues the deal could ‘pose risks to the country's security by increasing pressure on limited economic resources, in addition to the spread of cross-border organised crime.’
Incredibly Perilous Atlantic Route
Meanwhile, a 2024 report by the International Organization for Migration reveals that the Atlantic Ocean crossing is incredibly dangerous due to the length of the journey to Europe, “with migrants often stuck at sea for long periods on inadequate boats in areas of the Atlantic Ocean lacking dedicated rescue operations.”
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Pope Writes To Young People In Romania: Be Bearers Of Hope, Use Social Media Wisely
Pope Francis answers a letter sent to him by young Catholics in the Romanian Diocese of Iasi.
In an open letter addressed to the young people of the Diocese of Iasi, Romania, Pope Francis writes: "Be bearers of hope and builders of bridges, using every tool at your disposal to sow goodness and love in the world."
The Pope‘s words came in response to a letter delivered to him in mid-May by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, who participated in the diocesan youth meeting in Iasi on May 18-19.
Use Social Media Wisely
In his letter published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Iasi, the Holy Father also encourages the youth to use social networks "with courage and creativity, conveying values that build up: friendship, peace, dialogue between ethnicities and cultures, family, and Christian values."
He warns them against becoming slaves to their smartphones and ending up trapped in virtual life at the expense of real life: "Go out into the world, meet people, listen to their stories, look into the eyes of your brothers and sisters. True wealth lies in the human relationships lived daily, in direct and sincere contact."
National Youth Meeting
Finally, the Pope invites the young Catholics to participate in the national youth meeting, which will be held in September in the Brasov district.
"It will be a valuable opportunity to grow together in faith, to share experiences, and to strengthen your Christian journey," he writes, before concluding with a request to pray for him: "Your spiritual support is an invaluable gift that helps me serve the Church and humanity."
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European Media Put To Test By Artificial Intelligence
The two-day general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, hosted in Limassol, Cyprus, and also attended by Vatican Radio discusses the role of public service media in the context of strong polarization, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of communication.
Public service media are called to play an increasingly important role in defending the democratic system in a period characterized by strong polarization both in politics and society. This was the message launched from Limassol, in the south of Cyprus, which, yesterday and toda, hosted the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (Ebu), the association that brings together Europe's public radio and television stations.
Among those attending the gathering was also Vatican Radio which was represented by Alessandro Gisotti, deputy editorial director of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication.
The assembly, opened by the President of the Cypriot Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, focused on the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of information and on the journalist profession and communication operators.
The general director of Ebu, Noel Curran, underscored the need to be updated on technological transformation processes. He therefore observed that, while on the one hand, we need to benefit from this new technology, at the same time it is urgent to safeguard the values of information starting from the search for truth which can be dangerously threatened by a misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
During the European media summit, a report on the credibility of journalism in the time of AI was presented.
The document reiterates that information has the irreplaceable task of telling the facts and stories of people and communities. Algorithms, which dictate the timing and methods of new technologies, are based exclusively on the calculation of probabilities.
Participants also discussed the issue of privacy and databases which, today more than ever, can represent a risk to people's freedom if their correct and regulated use is not guaranteed.
The former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, also spoke at the Limassol event, discussing with the participants the challenges posed to public service media by the emergence of populist political groups in the recent European elections.
The assembly confirmed Delphine Ernotte, head of France Télévisions since 2015, as president for another two-year term. The next EBU plenary will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, in December 2024.
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Ghana: Build A Lasting Legacy In Your Community, Accra Archdiocese Tells Its Young people.
At the end of a Youth Congress, which began last weekend, in the Archdiocese of Accra, the youth have been commissioned to go forth and be instruments of hope, leaving legacies in their communities. by Gabriel Asempa Antwi - Accra.
Speaking at the height of activities at the Accra Archdiocesan Youth Congress, the Auxiliary Bishop, Anthony Narh Asare, emphasised the importance of unity in diversity and the transformative impact of dedicated service to the Church.
Leave A lasting Legacy In Your Parish
Addressing the youth, Bishop Asare encouraged them to emulate the dedication and commitment of the Apostle Peter and Paul. "Dear friends, go forth in the spirit of the theme, 'Present and Connected,' and leave a lasting legacy in your parishes or stations," he exhorted.
The Youth Congress, themed "Present and Connected," incorporated listening sessions for the young delegates and an open forum for discussion. It was held at St. Paul's Catholic Seminary in Ghana's capital, Accra. The gathering dubbed a durbar for young people, gave the youth of the Archdiocese a synodal experience and an avenue for them to contribute to the growth of the Church in Accra.
The Congress officially began with the Holy Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Accra, John Bonaventure Kwofie and his auxiliaries -BishopsAnthony Narh Asare and John Kobina Loius. Also present was the visiting Bishop of the Diocese of Grand-Bassam in Côte d’Ivoire, Raymond Ahoua, F.D.P.
Fr. Alphonse Bulluro, Archdiocesan Director of the Youth Office and Mr. Augustine Dagbey, Chairman of the Accra Archdiocesan Youth Council, led the young people into the programme with insightful briefings on the purpose of the Congress.
Connected to Jesus, Present to Others
Keynote addresses and solidarity messages underscored the theme, "Connected to Jesus, Present to Others," with the launch of the Ghana version of World Youth Day marking a significant moment.
Participating delegates were divided into groups to discuss topics such as empowering youth in leadership and understanding perspectives from non-Catholic and lapsed Catholic individuals. Issues shared during the listening sessions were intended to bring about understanding and foster unity among youth of diverse backgrounds.
The grand Accra Youth convocation also saw a vibrant and colourful procession, moments of interaction, and opportunities for Confession and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
India: Bible Sharing In The Family In Madhya Pradesh
In northern India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, faith in families is very much alive. Sr. Rita George Thykootam, PHJC, shares the story of starting a project of Bible sharing in families and how it has affected the Diocese of Indore. By: Sr. Rita George Thykootam, PHJC
Before starting the project of Bible sharing in the families, faithful families of Dhar Parish, diocese of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, used to gather and pray in the parish together with the religious sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC).
The prayer would usually end by with someone reading aloud a passage from the Bible. However, our community felt it was not enough and that the prayer sessions left the Word of God inactive.
Therefore, the religious sisters invited families to read the Bible, and do it together, in small groups, in their homes.
The Diocese of Indore encourages Bible Sharing as a path to faith formation in the families in every parish, thus the entire parish is divided geographically into groups called “SCC-s”, meaning Small Christian Communities.
Every community consists of few families. They gather in the house of one of the member families every two weeks and pray together.
The 7 Steps of Bible Sharing
As set up by the sisters, Bible sharing in the families consists of few simple steps.
The prayer begins with the leader of the group invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit, and then announces the passage from the Bible and reads it slowly. Gathered members are invited to share inspiring words and their reflections.
After reflecting on the Word of God, every family talks about the resolutions that they have made and obtained, based on the previous Bible sharing.
The last step is making a new resolution based on the Bible passage shared by the group. The review of Bible Sharing is also regularly published in the news bulletin of Indore Diocese.
Bible Transforming Families
After the families started with this kind of prayer, our community was more than surprised with the fruits.
We noted that the parents and elders in the family become responsible in nurturing the seeds of faith sown in the baptismal grace. They live the word of God and invite the young to tread the same path. Faith becomes a lived experience not just read or preached.
The spiritual journey of God’s people in Indore has become an inclusive reality that builds up the bonds with father and mother, brother and sister, friend and neighbor.
We feel that it is inevitable that the double-edged sword keeps cutting the barriers of cast, color, creed and religion.
At the same time, the experience of Bible sharing helps families cope with difficulties, making it easier for them to experience God’s presence in any painstaking situations of life.
This kind of faith formation acts as the fuel that moves our families forward to be what God is calling them to be, having confidence to incorporate the Bible’s life-giving reality into everyday life.
Challenges for Christians in India
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ also invite the families to carry along the lived experiences of the Word of God to challenge the unforgiving world, the indifferent neighbor and the uncaring society.
Families who pray together are challenged to stretch the tent of their faith and become closer to others, which is especially important in the multi religious country like India.
The religious sisters feel that the country faces a tense situation, where praying together in common groups has sometimes been labeled threatening behavior as a “Christian conversion activity.”
Faith Makes Common Life Easier
Despite the situation, our community has realized that the most valuable lesson we have learned from Bible sharing in the families was the realization that faith goes beyond the surface.
It’s not about how you want to appear to others; it is in believing even when no one is watching. It is also how you choose not only to live, but to spread the light to everyone around you.
For this reason, Christian families of Indore share the essence of their belief by inviting neighbours of other beliefs to celebrate Christian festivities with them.
At the same time, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ also participate in festivals of other religion like Eid and Diwali.
In all places of work, education and socializing the families stand for the values they profess through their Christian faith.
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At Windsor Castle, the Pope's cricket team clashes with the King's Pope Francis and King Charles send messages ahead of a match between their respective cricket teams. By By Joseph Tulloch - London
On Wednesday, the Vatican cricket team travelled to Windsor Castle, home to King Charles and various members of the Royal Family.
There, they faced off against the King’s XI, a cricket team composed of members of the monarch’s household.
The match was the culmination of the Vatican side’s 'Light of Faith' UK tour - its tenth foreign trip since its foundation in 2014 – which has also seen it face off against the England Seniors team and St Mary’s University.
A tense game At this match, a slow wicket meant the ball kept low, causing problems for batsmen on both sides.
The Vatican, who opened the batting, lost a few quick wickets, and had to settle for a final score of 98 for 8.
They immediately struck back, however, with dominant bowling. After three overs, the Vatican had taken three wickets, and limited their opponents to seven runs.
The Vatican kept the pressure on until, around twelve overs in, rain started to descend, causing problems for their bowlers. A strong partnership with six wickets down allowed the King’s XI to pile on the runs.
The eight and ninth wickets fell in the nineteenth over, and the game was balanced on a knife-edge. In the end, in the final over, the King’s XI was able to get over the line, finishing on 99 for 9.
Messages from Pope Francis and King Charles Before the match, Fr Eamonn O’Higgins, the Vatican squad’s manager, had read out a message from Pope Francis.
The Pope sent his greetings to both teams, and expressed his hope that the event would be an occasion to “build bridges of fraternal solidarity, promote Christian unity, and advance generous charitable initiatives.”
King Charles had also prepared a message for the occasion. The monarch pointed out that this was the fourth match between the Vatican and a royal team, and said he was “delighted” that the two sides had “once again been brought together by the love of cricket.”
Noting that the Vatican are “reigning champions”, having won the previous match, the King added that he was “await[ing] keenly to hear of the result!”.
Sport: diplomacy in a divided world Fr O’Higgins also presented a letter and medal to Sir John Spurling, a British businessman and a patron of the Vatican Cricket team.
The letter, written by Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça – the Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery which oversees the cricket team – thanked Sir John for his “extraordinarily generous” support.
The Cardinal went on to stress the importance of the team’s “sporting diplomacy” in the context of what Pope Francis calls a “third world war in instalments”.
This was a theme that Chris Trott, the UK ambassador to the Holy See, picked up on too, in an interview with Vatican News.
He said that the match had “great resonance” on a number of levels, both political and religious.
“Sport builds friendships and overcomes barriers”, the Ambassador said, “and this match is a great example of that.”
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CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE of WASHINGTON, DC NEWS
The Year of The Jubilee 2025
“Prayer unites us; it makes us brothers and sisters. It is in prayer that our hearts find the strength not to be cold and insensitive in the face of injustice. In prayer, God keeps calling us, opening our hearts to charity.”
~ Pope Francis
In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope,” 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. He asks us all to join in a great “symphony” of prayer, “to renew our desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and to adore him.”
In addition to the 38 Catechesis on Prayer that Pope Francis himself presented from May 2020 to June 2021, the Dicastery of Evangelization has made a series of booklets entitled, “Notes on Prayer.”
The volumes will soon also be available in English, translated by the Indian Episcopal Conference; and in Spanish, published by Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos and Sociedad de San Pablo and translated by the Mexican Episcopal Conference.
Oficina de Evangelización y Planificación Pastoral
¿Qué es una pequeña comunidad cristiana?
Al comienzo de su vida cotidiana, Jesús reunió a un grupo de discípulos y les inculcó la fe, la esperanza y el amor. Ellos, compartiendo con Jesús, pudieron entender quién era Él, cómo pensaba, hablaba y actuaba. Pudieron conocer los valores de Jesús y presenciar la compasión, la justicia y el amor de sus acciones. Al estar con Jesús y “caminar” con Él, los discípulos recibieron de primera mano lo que Jesús les enseñaba. Por la palabra y las obras, Jesús revela a sus discípulos la relación que tiene con el Padre. Una pequeña comunidad cristiana es un modelo de ser iglesia que tiene varias características:
• Guiada por el Evangelio: La comunidad es guiada por el Evangelio. La comunidad es una comunidad evangelizada y evangelizadora. La comunidad estudia y reflexiona sobre la vida del Señor Jesús para tener presente su forma de actuar como modelo para sus propias acciones. Los integrantes trabajan para construir el Reino de Dios en su propio entorno.
• Celebración de la Eucaristía: La celebración eucarística es el signo distintivo de la Iglesia auténtica. Aunque las pequeñas comunidades se reúnan en casas de familias u otros lugares durante la semana, lo hacen para celebrar la Eucaristía con toda la parroquia.
• Comunidad: Este grupo de personas no se limita a ser otra agrupación religiosa o cristiana;
We will visit the tombs of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi; the Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo and more.
Pilgrimage is an important part of the Christian’s life, and Pope Francis has called the faithful to live this out during the Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope.” In his letter for the Jubilee, Pope Francis described the Jubilee year as a “gift of grace” to be experienced through “pilgrimages, indulgences, living testimonies of faith.” He invites the Christian community to partake in a transformative journey, fostering a deeper connection with their spirituality and the global community.
In response to the Holy Father’s call for pilgrimage during the 2025 Jubilee, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is hosting three pilgrimages to Italy and one to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington D.C. The pilgrimages to Rome will allow the faithful to celebrate together as family the Jubilee’s events: Jubilee of Families, Grandparents and the Elderly, Jubilee of People with Disabilities and Jubilee of Youth.
