Radio Vaticana report: Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday received a group of 7000 pilgrims from southern Italy.The pilgrims began to arrive before dawn on Saturday, the fleet of touring buses by which they made the journey from the southern diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti lining the broad Roman boulevard that runs into St Peter’s basilica.
The pilgrimage to Rome is part of the diocesan synod of the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti.
Pope Benedict them the Church is not a social organization, or charitable institution: it is the Community of God.
Speaking of items the diocese should consider during the synod, the Holy Father said particular attention should be paid to education, and called on parents to be the first witness of the Faith to their children.
He concluded with a special message to the priests of the diocese, asking them to proclaim the Gospel with courage and loyalty, to be witnesses to God’s mercy, and to not fear dialogue with the culture and those who are in search of God.
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