Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, held a press conference today on two upcoming events for the Year of Faith. Also present was Archbishop Jose Octavio Ruiz Arenas and Msgr. Graham Bell, the secretary and undersecretary of the same dicastery, respectively.
The first Year of Faith event , the Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration, will be held in St. Peter’s Square this Sunday afternoon, June 2nd, under the theme: “One Lord, One Faith.” Archbishop Fisichella described the Eucharistic adoration as “historical” considering it is the first time in the history of the Church that such an event of this scale has taken place.
“The cathedrals of the world will be synchronized with Rome and will, for an hour, be in communion with the Pope in Eucharistic adoration,” Archbishop Fisichella said. “There has been an incredible response to this initiative, going beyond the cathedrals and involving episcopal conferences, parishes, lay associations, and religious congregations, especially cloistered ones.”
Dioceses spread out in every single continent, he continued will be “synchronized” with the Eucharistic adoration in St. Peter’s Square and join together to pray the Holy Father’s intentions. The president of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization also revealed the Holy Father’s intentions for the Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration.
The first intention of the Pope’s intentions is: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”
Pope Francis’ second intention is: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”
The Gospel of Life
The second celebration, which will take place from June 15th-16th will be the “Evangelium Vitae” Celebration Day. The theme of the event is: “Believing May They Have Life.” Archbishop Fisichella stated that the theme reflects the main theme of the Church’s commitment in promoting and respecting the dignity of human life.
“Pope Francis will preside at Sunday Mass at 10:30am with the entire ‘people of life’ to address his message and to show his care to them as well as to all the ill who will be present at the celebration,” Archbishop Fisichella said. “Like the other events, it will follow the traditional pattern of the Year of Faith: pilgrimages to St. Peter’s tomb will take place on Saturday afternoon, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm, while at the same time those who wish may go to confession and adore the Blessed Sacrament. There will also be catechesis for the various language groups in several churches around Rome on Saturday morning.”
A candlelight procession will take place on Saturday evening on Via della Conciliazione and will conclude at St. Peter’s Square, where several testimonies will be given. Archbishop Fisichella also stated that groups from many countries including the United States, Germany, Japan, Spain France, Argentina, Australia will be present.
“There will also be families, representatives from episcopal conferences, dioceses, parishes, religious orders, seminaries, humanitarian and health organizations like the Order of Malta, ecclesial movements, associations like Unitalsi and the Red Cross, and pro-life groups as well as many people interested in the promotion and defense of life who aren’t affiliated with a particular association or religion,” Archbishop Fisichella said.
