Organizers of Pope John Paul II’s May 1 beatification are affirming that there will be plenty of room for all pilgrims who want to attend. Monsignor Liberio Andreatta of the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi — the Vatican institution whose mission it is to evangelize through pastoral tourism and the ministry of pilgrimage — affirmed this Tuesday at a presentation of the events related to the beatification.
“Rome is ready to receive all the pilgrims who wish to come,” he said. “We have places available and in addition there are all the cities on the outskirts of Rome.”
The priest gave this presentation at the headquarters of the vicariate of Rome, with the presence of civil authorities, assuring skeptics that the event will not give rise to an emergency situation. He noted that the pilgrim’s ticket will enable a person to travel for free on public transportion during the three days of events. The metropolitan subway will function 22 hours a day (only closing from 2:00 to 4:00 a.m.). Monsignor Andreatta explained that the capital can be reached by train; lines that usually transport thousands of people a day will not be carrying workers over the three days of the event. In addition, there will be a “white night” during which churches and venues will hand out food packets. The event “will be a response that will demonstrate how John Paul II is loved,” said the priest. He explained that “May 1 was chosen” because “it is dedicated to Divine Mercy, because he wished to sanctify St. Faustina and because he died precisely after vespers of the feast of Divine Mercy.”
Mons Andreatta ippreżenta tliet attivitajiet relatati mal-beatifikazzjoni.
Three events
Monsignor Andreatta presented three events related to the beatification.
The first is a vigil in the Circus Maximus on April 30, presided over by Cardinal Agostino Valli and organized by the Diocese of Rome. Benedict XVI will participate through a video connection. No tickets are necessary for this event.
The second event is the Mass of beatification in St. Peter’s Square on May 1 at 10:00 a.m. presided over by the Holy Father. Afterwards, the veneration of John Paul II’s remains will begin in St. Peter’s Basilica, and will continue until everyone in the line has been able to pass through.
The third event is a Mass of thanksgiving on May 2, which will be celebrated by the Pontiff’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
The organizers reiterated several times during the press conference that tickets will not be necessary to enter the Circus Maximus or Saint Peter’s Square. Hence, no one can sell tickets for the events.
ROME, MARCH 30, 2011 (Zenit.org)