Rome, Italy, May 14, 2010 / 14:19 pm
Answering the call from the Italian Bishops' Conference-promoted National Consultancy of Lay Aggregations (CNAL), thousands of people are planning on attending the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter's Square on May 16. The initiative aims to provide a visible sign of support, affection and gratitude for the Pope's ministry.
On April 14, CNAL, composed of 67 Italian ecclesial movements and associations, called upon its members and all people who wish to show their solidarity with the Pope to participate in the mid-day Marian prayer in St. Peter's Square this coming Sunday.
As of Friday, the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI), Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, CEI secretary general, Bishop Mariano Crociata, and Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno were all slated to attend.
In addition to these leaders, CNAL expects "several tens of thousands" to come from member associations, parishes, dioceses, schools and universities.