The Holy Father will be in Turin from June 21-22 for the exposition of the Shroud and the bicentennial of the birth of Don Bosco.
In a press conference at the Holy See Press Office this morning, journalists also were informed that this will serve as an occasion for the Argentine Pope to spend some special moments with his Piedmontese family.
Last November, during his weekly General Audience, the Pope announced he would visit Turin given the Exposition of the Shroud, which will take place from April 19 to June 24. At that time, he said, “I am pleased to announce that, God willing, on June 21st I will go on a pilgrimage to Turin to venerate the Holy Shroud and honor Saint John Bosco, on the bicentennial anniversary of his birth.”
At today’s press conference, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin, gave details of the Pope’s two-day itinerary.
At 8 a.m. Sunday June 21st, the Pope will arrive and will first meet with representatives of the world of work in the Piazzetta Reale. Following that encounter, Francis will go to the Cathedral where he will pray before the Holy Shroud and before the altar of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
At 10.45 a.m in Piazza Vittorio. the Holy Father will celebrate Mass and, as he does weekly in St. Peter’s Square, recite the Sunday Angelus prayer.
Afterward, the Pope will have lunch with young detainees from the “Ferrante Aporti” penitentiary with several minors, immigrants, homeless people, and a gypsy family.
In the afternoon, the 78-year-old Pontiff will visit the Sanctuary of the Consolata, where he will withdraw for a few minutes in private prayer.
At 3 p.m., he will go to the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, where he will meet with Salesians and the Daughters of Our Lady Help of Christians. Shortly after, at the Church of Cottolengo, he will meet with the sick and disabled.
Francis, at 6 p.m., will return to Piazza Vittorio, where he will meet with young people of the city, and conclude his day.
The next morning will kick off with a visit to the Valdese Temple. Upon returning to the archbishop’s residence, Pope Francis will meet privately with some of his relatives from the region.
There, Francis will celebrate a Holy Mass in the Chapel for his loved ones and they will have lunch together.
Prior to departing from Turin’s Caselle airport, the Holy Father will briefly visit some members of the Committee of the Shroud, as well as organizers of his visit.
The exhibition of the Shroud, whose chosen theme is “The Greatest Love,” is completely free, the speakers reaffirmed, while noting that many pilgrims traditionally choose to leave donations to help the poor and needy.
They also emphasized how to learn more about the exposition and visit, including a website, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
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On the NET:
About the Shroud, Exhibition: www.sindone.it
Twitter: @ Sindone2015
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sindone2015
YouTube: Sindone2015
