Sick, disabled to take on main roles in

jubilee Mass at Vatican

Vatican City, Jun 9, 2016 / 03:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The sick and
disabled have always held a special place in Pope Francis heart, and have been
the recipients of some of his most tender acts as Bishop of Rome. Now they
will take on the prominent roles at a Mass for the Year of Mercy at the
Vatican.Thousands of sick and disabled persons will journey to Rome with their
families and caregivers this week for a special jubilee in their honor,
culminating with a June 12 Mass said by Pope Francis in which the sick and
disabled will conduct all of the readings, do the singing, and serve at the
altar.I would like to highlight the importance of this jubilee of the sick and
disabled because we know that many times in our ceremonies a small group of
them are present, but in this opportunity they will be the protagonists,
Archbishop Jose Octavio Ruiz Arenas said June 9.Secretary of Pontifical Council
for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Archbishop Ruiz spoke to
journalists during the presentation of the activities for the June 10-12 Jubilee
for Sick and Disabled Persons.We know that all sick and disabled people
suffer, normally a lot. And at times also due to the indifference of those beside
them, the archbishop said, explaining that the jubilee is a time to remember
all that the Church does and has done for people in this category throughout
history.He was joined in the presentation by the president of the council,

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who gave an overview of the jubilee activities, the
climax of which is Sundays Mass with the Pope.
So far 20,000 sick and disabled persons and their caregivers have registered
for jubilee events, and 50,000 tickets have already been printed for the Popes
Mass, which is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peters Square.