ASSISI, Italy — Alfredo Bucaini, OFM, guardian of St. Mary of the Angels here, is looking for confessional help in English, Portuguese, Spanish and other languages during the pope’s visit next month as well as in July, according toRoderic Petrie.
Knowledge of Italian is helpful but not necessary, Rod said, adding that “the usual schedule is two hours in the morning and an hour and a half in the afternoon. The help is being sought for both this year and the summer of 2008, he said.
Rod said that friars interested in helping should contact Alfredo by e-mail atpab@davide.it
Pope Benedict XVI will visit Assisi on June 17 to meet with young people, priests and religious, and to have time for private prayer.
The pope will arrive in the Umbrian city by helicopter will be welcomed by Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi and by various civil and religious authorities. At 9:30 a.m., the Holy Father will go by car to the Church of San Damiano and then to the Basilica of St. Clare for a brief visit and private prayer.
The pontiff will celebrate Mass in the lower Basilica of St. Francis, followed by the recitation of the Angelus. That afternoon, Benedict XVI will lunch with bishops from the region, the Franciscan community and the entourage in the residence of the Franciscan friars.
The Holy Father will also greet the German-born Capuchin Poor Clares and later that day will meet with clergy and religious at the Cathedral of St. Rufino. The day’s events will conclude at 5:30 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels where the pope will pay a private visit to the Portiuncula.