Pope to Mark Youth Center 25th Anniversary

San Lorenzo Launches Week of Celebrations

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ROME, MARCH 4, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will launch a week of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the San Lorenzo Youth Center, announced the Vatican.



According to a communiqué released today, the Pope will preside over a Mass on Sunday at the Church of San Lorzenzo in Piscibus, which forms part of the center.

The San Lorenzo International Center, located near St. Peter's Basilica, was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II on March 13, 1983. During the inauguration the Polish Pope expressed the hope that the center become "a forge for the formation of authentic young Christians who are capable of bearing coherent witness to the Gospel in today's world."

The Vatican note said the house, supported by the Pontifical Council for the Laity and entrusted to the Emmanuel Community, is "a place of welcome, prayer, formation and encounter for young people from all over the world who are in Rome on pilgrimage."

It also houses the first cross of the World Youth Days.

Due to space considerations, the celebration presided by Benedict XVI will only be attended by those working in the center, and a limited number of guests.

In addition to Benedict XVI's visit, the center will host Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, on Thursday, March 13. The cardinal will preside over a Eucharist celebration to be followed by a prayer vigil and adoration until midnight.

The next day, March 14, the community of Taizé will organize another vigil, presided over by Brother Alois Loser, prior of the community.

On Saturday, March 15, a gathering will be held on the theme of the history and mission of the San Lorenzo International Center to be attended by Cardinal Rylko and Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," who promoted the foundation of the center 25 years ago.

The events will culminate on Palm Sunday, March 16, with the youth pertaining to the center attending a Mass presided by Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square.