Sunday, January 19, 2014

A pastoral visit

At 4:00pm today in Rome, the Holy Father visited the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio, in the centre section of the Diocese of Rome.

When he arrived, the Pope greeted the faithful in the courtyard of the Oratory, and then met with various persons from the parish, especially the poor and the homeless who gravitate to the area around the Roma Termini railway station.  He met also with refugees and with children who have been baptized during recent months, along with their parents.  He also met with newlyweds and young families, and he then heard the confessions of a few penitents.

At 6:00pm, the Pope presided at a Mass celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and at the end of that celebration he greeted the sick.  Following this, he met with the Salesian community, who have been confided with the care of the parish, with the pastor, Father Valerio Baresi, SDB; and with the Missionary Sisters of the Risen Christ.

Finally, before returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis met with the youth of the parish.

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