By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Cadinal Claudio Hummes, head of the Congregation for the Clergy, announced that Pope Benedict plans to close the Year for Priests with a huge meeting of priests from around the world between June 9-11 in Rome.
According to a report by the Catholic News Agency (CNA), every Catholic priest in the world—which totals around 407,000—is invited to the meeting, which will have the theme of “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of the
The first day of the program will take place at the Basilica of Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls and will have as its theme “Conversion and Mission.” The activities will include a conference to discuss the subject as well as Mass, Confession and Eucharistic adoration.
The second day of the meeting will be themed “Cenacle, invocation to the Holy Spirit with Mary, in fraternal communion.” The day is to begin with morning reflections at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and a “priestly vigil” in the evening which will be held at Saint Peter’s Basilica and be attended by the pope. The vigil will consist of priests offering their testimonies, singing and adoration of the Eucharist.
The Year for Priests will be brought to a close on Friday, June 11, which is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The theme for this final day will be “With Peter, in ecclesial communion.” Pope Benedict XVI will preside over a Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica to conclude the Year for Priests.
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