Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - During the night 27 / 28 June 2009 there will be the third edition of Italy's National Eucharistic Gathering, animated by young people in the nocturnal setting of Rome's famous Circus Maximus. Many novelties have been introduced by the organisers for this third appointment, which is expected to draw participants from over 100 different associations, parishes, prayer groups, and volunteer associations, Catholic and non-denominational. Besides the classical appointment, the Celebration of Holy Mass at 8pm presided by Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Bishop Ernesto Mandara, followed by the beginning of an all night prayer until dawn on Sunday morning, this edition will include an ample and varied moment of animation with music and stands of various associations on Saturday 27 June.
The initiative of this gathering of volunteer associations, titled, “Hands for praying, hands for doing” will be a time for comparison and sharing among members of circa 100 associations and non profit organisations operating in Rome and surrounding area, in Italy and in other countries. “This sharing of experience and meeting – says Fabio Anglani, Adunanza Eucaristica national coordinator– has been inserted to build a network of people of goodwill, and the associations present will not only be of Christian inspiration; a moment of special grace with the stands set around the area for Eucharistic Adoration, will enable peace-workers to keep their eyes on the Lord, the centre and the culmination our gathering ”. During the night, in tents put up for the occasion, participants will have a chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation .
Young members of the Associazione Nazionale Papaboys will coordinate the opening of the initiative at 6pm, when the Band Le Fragole theatre company will present a musical with the title “The Secret of the Seven Sources”, to then hand over the stage to the “Good News Festival in Tour”, promoted by the Youth Pastoral Group of the Vicariate of Rome, with new emerging singers of “Christian music”, in Rome's musical panorama. The concert will be compered by young Andrè in collaboration with Patrizia Antonacci and the participation of Padre Raf and other Christian artistes, including the NDGs. On Sunday morning it will be the turn of the younger participants with games, clowns and animation from 9am - 12 midday with the stands open until 12noon, when there will be a link up with the Angelus of Pope Benedict XVI from St Peter's Square. (D.V.) (Agenzia Fides 23/6/2009; righe 32, parole 454)
