The faithful of St. Henry´s Parish, located in Casal Monastero, a new neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome, rose early to give their Bishop a joyful welcome.
Many young married couples with small children live in the parish, where housing is cheaper than in the heart of Rome, the second most expensive European capital after Paris.
St. Henry´s Church was built in 1999, a year after the parish community was established.
During his homily at Mass, John Paul II appealed to the parish to support families, paying special attention «to the education of children, first those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation, and those who participate in parish activities.»
«To convoke parents while the children are being catechized is, undoubtedly, an optimum way to help families live sacramental moments together,» he emphasized.
