MORTAL REMAINS OF BLESSED JOHN XXIII TO BE EXPOSED JUNE 3

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration this morning:

"Sunday, June 3, solemnity of Pentecost, is also the 38th anniversary of the death of Blessed John XXIII (June 3, 1963).

"On this occasion, the mortal remains of the Blessed, arranged in a casket of bronze and crystal, will be exposed in St. Peter's Square during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Holy Father. At the end of the celebration, the casket will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica and exposed for the veneration of the faithful, before the Altar of the Confession, for the entire afternoon.

"Following this, the casket will be permanently placed under the Altar of St. Jerome."

OP;JOHN XXIII;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20010430;Word: 130;