LATIN TEXT OF NEW UPDATED ROMAN MISSAL TO APPEAR IN THE AUTUMN

VATICAN CITY, AUG 4, 2000 (VIS) - This autumn, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments is to publish the Latin text of the new updated Roman Missal.

The difference between the present Missal, which dates from 1970, and the new edition lies above all in the addition of various saint's days throughout the year and the enrichment of traditional prayers, especially during Lent. Certain modifications have also been made to the 'Institutio Generalis' or introductory text which gives precise indications on how Mass must be celebrated.

The 'Institutio Generalis' is an ample text that gives a theological-pastoral perspective of the celebration of Mass and specifies the different types of celebration. Bishops naturally still enjoy a certain liberty, in agreement with the Holy See, in cultural adaptation to local circumstances and customs. For example, according to the traditions of a particular people, singing and the form of the sign of peace prior to communion may vary.

A ninth chapter on the theme of inculturation has been added to the new edition of the Missal and there have also been changes regarding communion under the species of bread and wine. A number of procedures laid out in the 1970 Missal have been simplified because they are no longer in current use in the various countries of the world.

The text of the new Missal has been sent to episcopal conferences and nuncios in order for them to become aware of the changes and to prepare translations. These, once approved by the episcopal conferences, will be examined by the Holy See in order to receive the necessary 'recognitio', in other words, the confirmation of their juridical value.

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, AUG 3, 2000 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Francesco Amadio, emeritus of Rieti, Italy, on July 15, at the age of 86.
- Bishop Pompeu Bezerra Bessa, emeritus of Limoeiro do Norte, Brazil, on July 23, at the age of 76.
- Archbishop-bishop Johannes Dyba of Fulda, Germany, on July 23, at the age of 70.
- Bishop Agustin Adolfo Herrera, emeritus of San Francisco, Argentina, on July 18, at the age of 87.
- Bishop Heinrich von Soden-Fraunhofen, former auxiliary of Munchen und Freising, Germany, on July 23, at the age of 79.

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FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 3, 2000 (VIS) - Work is coming to a conclusion on the site around Rome's Tor Vergata university where around a million and a half young people are due to congregate for the closing phase of World Youth Day on August 19 and 20.

A 36 meter-high wooden cross and a stage of 2,000 square meters dominate the vast area of green fields where young people from all over the world will come together for a prayer vigil on Saturday, August 19 and Mass, to be presided by the Pope on Sunday, August 20.

As is traditional on pilgrimages, the young people will cover the last 5 or 10 kilometers to the gathering point on foot. Bottled water will be distributed at intervals of one kilometer and there will be toilets and first-aid posts available.

During World Youth Day (which runs from August 15 to 20) 20,000 coaches are expected to arrive. These will be directed to 19 welcome points located in the principal areas of the city.

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SATURDAY EVENING PRAYER VIGIL IN ST. JOHN LATERAN

VATICAN CITY, AUG 3, 2000 (VIS) - The prayer vigil in answer to the appeal by Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople will take place on Saturday, August 5 in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

According to the Jubilee calendar, the prayer vigil was to have taken place in St. Mary Major, however because of the traditional August 5 celebrations being held there, the site of the event had to be changed.

The prayer vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. and be presided by Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The diocesan community of Rome has been invited to participate as have pilgrims, pastors and faithful from other Churches and ecclesial communities in the city.

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AUGUST 12 - 15: INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FORUM

VATICAN CITY, AUG 2, 2000 (VIS) - For the occasion of World Youth Day, the 7th International Youth Forum is to be held from August 12 to 15 in Rome's Casa Maria Mater Ecclesiae. The Forums are organized by the youth section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

The theme of the meeting has been taken from John Paul II's Letter concerning pilgrimage to the places linked to the history of salvation (June 29 1999): "I say it to everyone: Let us set out in the footsteps of Christ!"

Each episcopal conference will send two young people as representatives to the forum. Delegates from the most important Catholic youth groups, movements and associations have also been invited. The average age of participants is 23-24 years. Alongside them, around 30 people who work in the field of pastoral ministry to youth will also attend; they will follow the work as 'observers.'
During the course of the meeting, delegates will prepare a message addressed to young people all over the world. This will be read during World Youth Day, in the presence of the Holy Father.

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