HOLY YEAR OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOKS PRESENTED TODAY

VATICAN CITY, JUL 6, 1999 (VIS) - The two official Vatican guidebooks to the Jubilee, "Pilgrims in Prayer for the Jubilee of the Holy Year 2000" and "Pilgrims in Rome for the Jubilee of the Holy Year 2000" were presented this morning in the Holy See Press Office during a press conference.

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Central Committee of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, said that "the two books presented today propose anchoring Roman celebrations in clear and calm waters: those of the faith of the apostles. Thanks to these pages, so well illustrated, ... the pilgrim will be able to feel at one and the same time, like a contemporary of Christ's and a citizen of today's world."

Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the committee, spoke principally on the artistic-historical aspects of the two volumes. Though presented today in Italian only, the books, which must be bought together, will be published in the principal languages.

Well-illustrated and offering maps of the sites that pilgrims will visit, "Pilgrims in Rome" describes the principal basilicas and other historical churches in Rome, the catacombs, the homes of many saints and the Vatican Museums. The back inside cover contains a map of Rome's transportation system.

Archbishop Sepe said that in the second volume, "'Pilgrims in Prayer,' outlines of meditations and reflections are proposed which offer, in a synthetic way, paths for reading about the great themes of the Jubilee, and facilitate the understanding of the central message of every holy place."

This book, which also contains ample artwork, offers the official Jubilee prayer written by Pope John Paul II and the hymn of the Great Jubilee on the inside front and back covers. It also provides reflections on the meaning of the Jubilee, the "stations" used for prayer (the basilicas and catacombs) and celebrations, prayers and songs, such as the Pilgrim's Blessing, Rite of the Mass, penitential act, special Masses, Matins. Lauds and Vespers, and the rosary.

Archbishop Francesco Gioia, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, spoke on the preparation of the book, a five-phase period which began on December 20, 1996. This included choosing authors, experts on various subjects, artists and editors, accepting suggestions from members of the Central Committee, putting together a rough draft and re-editing that draft. The books are published by the Italian house Mondadori.

The archbishop said that "the title of the two volumes, 'Pilgrims,' is extremely important. One, the guidebook, specifies the 'where': Rome. The other book shows 'how' one should live a pilgrimage: in prayer. The 'way', the path, travelling, are symbols of human existence."

Archbishop Gioia also highlighted the artwork and biblical reflections found in the two volumes, explained how they were selected, and how they underscore the spirituality of a pilgrimage. He remarked that the artwork contained in them "makes the two books instruments of culture."

Gian Arturo Ferrari, from Mondadori Publishers, explained that, according to an agreement with the Holy See, the two volumes will be published in two versions: a more upscale version whose price will be œ45,000 ($25) and an economical one, priced at œ10,000 ($6). Volumes are identical in content and may not be sold separately. A slightly lower price will be given to religious institutes and orders, parishes, lay movements, etc.

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