The meeting of the national delegates of Europe responsible for the pastoral care of Italians living abroad is due to be held in Frascati (Rome), from 31 January to 1st February. Discussion will be focused, among other things, on the pastoral situation in the various European countries; on the new law on the vote of Italians abroad; and on the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. Meanwhile a bilateral meeting of the Swiss and Italian episcopal Commissions for the pastoral care of migrants will be held in the Vatican from 5 to 6 February. The meeting will examine the situation and prospects of the pastoral ministry for Italians resident in Switzerland, the future of the Italian missions in a new socio-political context and the dialogue between sister Churches. “A unique occasion for cooperation between Churches says a report on the meeting put out by the Migrants press agency – at a time when the communities are evolving, the Churches grappling with emergencies while ignoring the longer term problems, and a new society and a new Church are being born”.
