THIRD MEETING OF CATHOLIC AIRPORT CHAPLAINS OF EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 2001 (VIS) - According to a communique made public today, the Third Meeting of the Catholic Airport Chaplains of Europe will be held from May 28 to 31 in the Diocesan Pastoral Center of Brussels, Belgium.

Forty airport chaplains and pastoral workers from 17 international airports in 12 countries are scheduled to participate in the meeting, which is promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples in collaboration with the European Secretariat of Catholic Airport Chaplains.

The two themes chosen by the organizers are: the spirituality of the airport chaplain and the pastoral situation of those seeking asylum in airports. "One of the greatest challenges of our time, especially in Europe," the communique states, "is certainly the welcoming of migrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum. Their presence in the airports is an unceasing call to live Christian charity. We cannot ignore them."

"Currently in Europe," the communique concludes, "there are approximately 150 airport chaplains (Catholic, ecumenical, inter-confessional). Of these, 110 are Catholic chaplains, usually assisted by numerous volunteers."

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