(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.