Catholic News 2

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By Gaby Maniscalco

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will welcome several thousand homeless and vulnerable people from all over Europe when they make a pilgrimage to Rome in November.

European organizations that help the homeless are invited to participate in the European Festival of Joy and Mercy, which will take place Nov. 11-13. The event organizers -- the Fratello association -- are inviting 6,000 homeless, vulnerable and marginalized people to take part.

The pilgrimage includes an audience led by Pope Francis, a papal Mass, the Stations of the Cross and a tour of Rome. There will be a gathering to hear people's personal testimonies and a prayer "Vigil of Mercy" with Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, France.

"This time of pilgrimage and opportunity to meet Pope Francis will give people from the most vulnerable sections of society, who are often treated as outcasts, a chance to discover that their place is in the heart of God and in the heart of the church," the Fratello association said in a press release May 2. Those who assist the vulnerable on a day-to-day basis are also invited to attend.

The event follows Pope Francis' continued efforts to increase outreach to the homeless, especially those who live near the Vatican. Sleeping bags were handed out at Christmas, showers were installed in the public bathrooms in St. Peter's Square and a special, private tour of the Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museums was arranged. In 2015, the pope also opened a shelter for homeless men.

For more information on the pilgrimage visit Fratello's website at www.fratello2016.org.

 

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Zambia’s new Bishop o f Mpika Diocese, Justin Mulenga has called on the youth of his diocese to be merciful with one another. The Bishop said his diocese was also concerned about the high unemployment situation among young people in the area. Zambia’s Post newspaper reports that Bishop Mulenga made the remarks at a weekend diocesan Youth Day Mass held at St. Monica’s Church in Mpika.

Bishop Mulenga encouraged the youth to be merciful with others because it was the only sure way to peace and unity in the nation. He further challenged young people to emulate Christ in their daily lives. The Bishop said being merciful should be the cornerstone of every Christian’s faith. Christians must always seek to forgive, console, assist and care for others, particularly the poor and aged in society, the Mpika Ordinary urged.

“Mercy is, therefore, an act of love done without one expecting anything in return,” Bishop Mulenga continued.  He emphasised that young persons the world over were the light and salt of the earth. They are therefore supposed to treat others with respect and dignity regardless of their status in society.

“Honour your parents and everyone in society. Above all, emulate Jesus Christ in His work of bringing humankind to salvation.” Bishop Mulenga said.

The Bishop cautioned youth to refrain from drug and alcohol abuse as well as other vices that could ruin their future.

Responding complaints about high unemployment and the lack of programmes to help youth with a livelihood in the diocese, the Bishop assured the youth that the diocese was aware of their situation and would work to seek ways of introducing programmes aimed at empowering them.

The Diocesan Youth Day was celebrated under the theme “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Over 600 youth from various parishes of Mpika diocese participated in the celebrations.

 (Source: The Post newspaper, Kapwenge Matefeya in Mpika, Zambia)

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