CHILDREN, THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE JUBILEE OF FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 1999 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for the Family is preparing the Jubilee of Families which will take place in Rome on October 14-15, 2000 within the framework of the Third World Meeting of the Holy Father with Families.

A note from the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee indicates that, in keeping with the theme chosen by the Pope, "Children, The Springtime of the Family and of Society," this event will be the occasion to deal with the relationship of children with parents and with the social environment, as well as to analyze the problems of abuse, exploitation and violence against minors.

On Saturday, October 14, prayer meetings will be held for families on pilgrimage, both in the jubilee basilicas and in a number of national churches in Rome. In St. Peter's Square on the same afternoon, there will be a meeting of testimony and celebration of the families with the Pope. On Sunday morning, also in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II will preside at a celebration of the Eucharist during which he will administer the sacrament of marriage to 12 couples from different countries in representation of all the continents.

On October 12, 13 and 14, in the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas an international theological-pastoral congress will take place on the theme chosen for the Jubilee of Families. About 1,200 people are expected to attend, including family representatives, delegates and experts.

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