Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On Thursday 17 January at midday the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI will pay a visit to the Chapel of Rome's La Sapienza University. The programmes includes a meeting with the Chaplains, all members of the Society of Jesus, and with university pastoral care collaborators. After a moment of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament there will be a speech by one of the chaplains and the meeting will conclude with the Holy Father's address. Pope Benedict XVI will visit the University Chapel on the occasion of his participation in the ceremony of the inauguration of the academic year 2007/2008.
A statement issued by the University Chapel reads, “this moment of grace will inaugurate the sixtieth anniversary of the foundation of the Chapel, in which the Church confirms her service to the University, in collaboration with the University Pastoral Service, Chaplaincies of the faculties of all the universities and colleges in Rome and the local Church. This occasion reflects the very essence of the Society of Jesus which gives such special attention to cultural formation, as a fundamental area for human and spiritual. The Holy Father's visit will help us reflect on our proposal, here at the University which is transformed, in order to reach students, persons in formation, ever more effectively, and the docents as researchers and formators. This activity is explicated in formation not restricted to parcelling out knowledge; with study not only professionalising, but which also forms for life; promotes solidarity; in the maturation of the patrimony of Christian spirituality by which we are distinguished. In this spirit we welcome the words and blessing of Benedict XVI, Successor of St Peter the Apostle, who comes to visit our community and we entrust our efforts and our aspirations to His Magisterium”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/1/2008; righe 21, parole 299)
