Eucharistic gathering for young people in Circus Maximus in Rome

(June 25, 2009) The Circus Maximus in Rome, which was used for chariot races in ancient times, is to be the setting for Italy's third National Eucharistic Gathering, this weekend on 27-28 June, 2009. Young people from more than 100 different associations, parishes, prayer groups, and volunteer associations, Catholic and non-denominational will be taking part. Besides the Mass at 8pm presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Bishop Ernesto Mandara, followed by all night prayer until dawn on Sunday morning, there will be music and stands from the various volunteer associations on Saturday. Titled: “Hands for praying, hands for doing”, the weekend will be a time for comparison and sharing among members of the many associations and non profit organisations operating in Rome and surrounding area, in Italy and in other countries. Fabio Anglani, national coordinator, said: “The sharing of experience and meeting will help build a network of people of goodwill. We hope it will be a time of special grace. The stands set around the area for Eucharistic Adoration will enable peace-workers to keep their eyes on the Lord, the centre and the culmination our gathering”. During the night, in tents put up for the occasion, participants will have a chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Young members of the Associazione Nazionale Papaboys will coordinate the opening at 6pm, when the Band Le Fragole theatre company will present a musical with the title “The Secret of the Seven Sources”. On Sunday morning it will be the turn of the younger participants with games, clowns and animation from 9am - 12 midday with the stands open until 12noon, when there will be a link up with the Angelus of Pope Benedict XVI from St Peter's Square.