Massive gathering of altar servers in Rome

(July 24, 2010) Thousands of altar boys and girls from 12 European countries will be on a two-day pilgrimage to Rome early August on the theme, “Drinking Waters From The True Well.” The event is being organized by the international organization of altar servers known by its Latin name, "Coetus internationalis ministrantium," CIM. On August 3, the altar servers, of whom some 44,000 are expected from Germany and some 8,000 form Hungary, France, Romania and Switzerland, will have an evening of music and sharing of experiences in St. Peter’s Square, that will include Vespers. The evening will conclude with participants exchanging scarves with their counterparts from other countries. The following day, Wednesday, the altar servers will attend the Pope’s weekly audience in the Vatican, during which a chorus and orchestra from Hamburg will perform for the Pope.