This weekend, March 8-9, Rome will welcome around 25,000 pilgrims from over 100 countries for the fifth major Jubilee event, dedicated to the World of Volunteering. With nearly 15,000 volunteers from Italy alone, the gathering will also see participation from Spain (124), the United States (123), Brazil (85), Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and several other nations, including Australia, Chile, Ecuador, and India.
Pilgrimage, Dialogues, and Initiatives
On Saturday, March 8, participants from NGOs, volunteer organizations, and associations worldwide will embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, where they can also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in designated Jubilee churches.
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a series of cultural, artistic, and spiritual encounters—called “Dialogues with the City”—will take place in various Roman squares:
- Piazza Risorgimento – The Focsiv Foundation will engage the public with activities promoting volunteer work.
- Lungotevere Vaticano (near Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II) – Movimento per la Vita will highlight its initiatives, host children’s activities, and share testimonies from mothers.
- Basilica of San Salvatore in Lauro – Protezione Civile, Italy’s civil protection agency, will present its emergency response efforts.
- Piazza Sant’Ignazio – Volunteers from Aps Il Sorriso will showcase their projects and interactive programs for children.
- IAD Bambini Ancora – This organization will offer art workshops, balloon activities, and roundtable discussions for parents on family-related topics.
Mass with Cardinal Czerny
The event will culminate on Sunday, March 9, with a 10:30 AM Mass in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. During the liturgy, he will read the homily prepared by Pope Francis for the occasion.
This Jubilee event highlights the crucial role of volunteers in serving communities worldwide, bringing together thousands in a shared mission of faith, charity, and social commitment.
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