Rome celebrates jubilee of the disabled on April 28 and 29 with 10,000 pilgrims

On Monday 28 and Tuesday, April 29, the jubilee dedicated to people with disabilities will be held. In Rome about ten thousand pilgrims are expected, including relatives and companions, from more than 90 countries in the world.

The Jubilee will feature thousands of children, youth and adults from most of Italy, but also 500 from the United States, 260 from Poland, 215 of Spain, 160 from Mexico, 140 of Canada, 90 from Argentina and 70 from Brazil.

Numerous groups from Germany, France, Portugal, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Philippines, Congo, Nigeria, Australia, China and many other countries will also attend.

Numerous associations involved in the care and accompaniment of pilgrims with disabilities, such as Unitalsi, Kairos Forum, Communità Arch, Apostolic Movement of Blind, Anffas (National Association of Families and People with Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodevelopmental Disorders), among others.

On Monday, April 28, the jubilee will begin with the pilgrimage to the Holy Gate of the Basilica of San Pedro from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (local time). At the same time, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00, who wish will be able to receive the sacrament of confession in the church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. There will be confessor priests formed to welcome people with disabilities, and you can also live a moment of silent Eucharistic adoration.

At 17:00 in the Basilica of San Pablo Extramuros, the Holy Mass will be held presided by Mons. Rino Fisichella, responsible for the Jubileo de la Esperanza. All events and celebrations will have Italian and international sign language translation.

In the Plaza de San Pedro, on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00, the catechesis taught by Mons. Rino Fisichella will take place and then some testimonies of people with disabilities will be presented.

After lunch at the Jardines de Castel Sant’Angelo, in the same place, starting at 3:00 p.m., the pilgrims will enjoy a great party afternoon with music, testimonies and playful moments.

Among the artists there will be bands formed by people with disabilities around the world, such as Rulli Fralli, Hearts for Music, Chicco’s Band and Ladri Di Carrozzelle.

The Paralympic Athletes Baby Vio and ONY Tapia, the brothers artists Damiano and Margherita third, and by video call, will also join the composer and musician Giovanni Allevi. The Italian family and disability minister will also be present, Alessandra Locatelli.

In addition, throughout April 29, along the Via della Coniliazione, the pilgrims will be able to live the itinerant experience “The paths of hope”, with the proposal of stands and testimonies of realities that narrate the life and signs of hope of people with disabilities.