Lazise Pilgrims Attend Jubilee Events at St. Peter’s Basilica
The Lacisian community was one of the first to attend the religious rites held at the tomb of Peter on the occasion of the 2000 Jubilee.
They did so recently during the first of six scheduled departures from the diocese of Verona, with over forty pilgrims led by the parish priest don Edoardo Sacchella. In the front row was Bishop padre Flavio Carraro, assisted by the diocesan tourism coordinator don Giorgio Benedetti, who has a genuine friendship with Lazise, having served for several years as coadjutor at the Lacisian parish.
Departure and Stop in Arezzo
Leading the way for the Eternal City was the Lazise bus, with the bishop as the “driver.” They stopped in Arezzo, former diocese of padre Roberto, where the prelate celebrated a propitiatory mass for the pilgrimage to Rome at the cathedral.
Welcoming padre Cappuccino was a crowd of joyful Arezzo residents who applauded him warmly, reciprocated by padre Roberto with much friendliness and fraternal camaraderie, typical of the Franciscan style.
The Style and the Roman Moment
It was a style that characterized the entire Roman pilgrimage — the bishop was always among his people with a simple, approachable manner, close to everyone with friendliness and kindness, fostering a true sense of community even during the joyful moment of fraternal agape, sharing meals with the crowd.
During the three days in Rome, many religious functions were celebrated in the basilicas of San Paolo fuori le mura, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and San Pietro, with the bishop as the presiding celebrant.
The Celebrations and the Conclusion
A significant moment was the evening prayer held by the Veronese diocesan community in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, broadcast live on Telepace in collaboration with Radio Vaticana.
Finally, a grand celebration of the mass beneath the throne of Peter took place, with the concelebration by Veronese priests, Bishop Carraro, and the cardinal delegate of the Holy Father. The liturgy was accompanied by the singing of the Sistine Chapel Choir.
At the end of the rite, everyone gathered in St. Peter’s Square to listen to the Pope’s words and recite the Angelus.
During the Holy Father’s address, the presence of the Veronese pilgrims accompanied by the city’s bishop was mentioned. Boisterous applause erupted with a long “Viva il Papa” (“Long live the Pope”).