Papal visit to parish in Rome, Italy

(March 03.2012) Pope Benedict XVI, as Bishop of Rome, is going to pay a pastoral visit Sunday to the Roman parish of St John Baptist de La Salle. The Church built during the Holy Year 2000 and consecrated in 2009 serves a territory of about 12,000 inhabitants. The parish of close upon 1,300 Catholic families was made up 85% of young couples, with school going children. The parish is dedicated to the universal patron of educators, St John Baptist De La Salle. The Oratory of the parish is served by young fathers and mothers who volunteer to man it on Saturdays and Sundays. They also have a school of music and painting. An orchestra of young musicians animate the Sunday celebrations. They organize games such as rugby and volleyball. It is predominantly a young parish. Among the problems are that of keeping the nucleus of the family united and of contrasting a growing secularism, due to welfare that keeps spiritual matters at a distance.. Now they look forward to the Pope’s visit and encouragement.