News

N. 77.945/11 8, June, 2011

Dear Mr. Glynn, With great joy I inform you that in an Audience that the Holy Father graciously granted to me, Pope Benedict XVI, in light of the “European Year of Volunteering” declared by the European Union, has expressed His ardent desire to use this propitious occasion to deepen the motivation of so many Christians involved in this testimony in all countries of Europe. In His first major teaching, the Encyclical Deus Caritas est, the Supreme Pontiff writes:  

“Significantly, our time has also seen the growth and spread of different kinds of volunteer work, which assume responsibility for providing a variety of services. I wish here to offer a special word of gratitude and appreciation o all those who take part in these activities in whatever way. For young people, this widespread involvement constitutes a school of life which offers them a formation in solidarity and in readiness to offer others not simply material aid but their very selves. The anti-culture of death, which finds expression for example in drug use, is thus countered by an unselfish love which shows itself to be a culture of life by the very willingness to ‘lose itself’ (cf. Lk 17:33 et passim) or others” (n. 30 b).

The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, as the Dicastery of the Holy See responsible for the Church’s charitable activity, has been given the task to organize this meeting. Invited to this meeting are the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences and the Bishop responsible for volunteer organizations, as well as those who are in charge of national Church charitable organizations who have volunteer groups. We deem it particularly important to extend the invitation also to the International Catholic Conference of Scouting - European Mediterranean Region, whose National Member Organisations ask their young volunteers to carry out charitable activities, often networking with other Catholic charitable entities. This will include a special audience with Pope Benedict.

The event will commence on Thursday, 10 November 2011 at 3 PM in the Auditorium of the Palazzo San Pio X, via della Conciliazione 5, in Rome. The Private Audience of the Holy Father will take place on Friday, 11 November 2011, the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, after a Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Lodging will be at one of three residences, which are close to the Vatican. The cost of the gathering and food and lodging from dinner on 10 November through to lunch on 11 November will be covered by this Council through the generosity of benefactors. Participants must arrange and pay for their own travel to and from their residence and all other expenses. In the coming months, they will be receiving a more concrete program and other pertinent details, such as lodging, transportation, etc.

Please use the enclosed Registration Form to confirm participation of two representatives of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting – European Mediterranean Region, if possible leaders who are in charge of volunteers within your National Member Organizations.

This Form must be returned to us via email or fax, as per the addresses indicated, no later than 20 June 2011. Confirmation of registration will then be sent directly to each participant together with a definitive program and residence in Rome details, if so indicated in the Form.

As we look forward to this important meeting and receiving the duly completed Registration Form, we ask for your prayers and assure you of our best wishes for your work. 

Sincerely in the Lord,

Cardinal Robert Sarah