John Paul II has visited more than 300 parish communities in Rome; another 30 remain. But since walking has become difficult for him, henceforth the parishes of Rome will meet with him in the Vatican, according to the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.
The Pope’s visits were halted after an attack of osteoarthritis in his right knee. In February he had to cancel a visit to the Basilica of St. Prudenziana, a church that attracts thousands of Filipinos who live in Rome.
Now, the Pope wants the Filipinos in Rome — there are about 23,000 in all — to be the first to begin this new way of meeting with their Bishop. Next Sunday the Holy Father will celebrate a Mass in Paul VI Hall, which will be attended by many Filipinos.
On Sunday, Dec. 22, John Paul II will meet in the Vatican with the Roman parish of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
