Thousands to participate in faith events in Rome

(April 25, 2013) Over 70,000 faithful are expected to participate in two upcoming faith events in Rome organised by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council on Wednesday spoke to journalists about the Day of Confirmation April 27 /28 and the Day of Confraternities and Popular Piety May 3-5. Archbishop Fisichella said that Pope Francis will participate in both events, one of which includes a symbolic procession from the obelisk in St. Peter's Square to the tomb of the Apostle in the Vatican where they will pray the Creed.
Archbishop Fisichella said that the first event - the Day of Confirmation will be dedicated to those who have, or have yet to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. As of now, over 70,000 youth, who will be accompanied by their catechists and priests, have signed to join . He said the event will culminate with a Mass where Pope Francis will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation to 44 youth from around the world. The ages of those to be confirmed range from 11-55.
Regarding the day of Confraternities and Popular Piety, the archbishop confirmed that over 50,000 have signed for the May event. A communiqué from the Holy See explained, that the Confraternities will give witness to the different local traditions that have resulted from a religiosity that has been expressed through the centuries with initiatives and works of art that have lasted to this day.” The event will also conclude with a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.
“It will be a moment of faith that finds in the simplicity of the expressions of popular piety, its most deep-rooted core in our people who live these signs uninterruptedly as a reminder of the faith of previous generations, and as a tradition that should be witnessed to with courage and enthusiasm,” Archbishop Fisichella said.