” “"Since 22nd June, it has been an uninterrupted succession of pilgrims coming from many countries, mostly from Italy, Germany, Spain and France. No day passes without groups of devotees arriving in Tarsus, an incredible bustle compared with the past. Unfortunately, there’s no church yet". With his words, mgr. Luigi Padovese, vicar apostolic of Anatolia and president of the Turkish Bishops, expresses his great satisfaction for a Pauline Year that started off on the right foot as well as his disappointment that despite the promises a place of worship for the devotees cannot be had yet. "The presence of the pilgrims he comments to SIR gives visibility to the Turkish Church as well and to all Christians. The devotees come here to pray and this is a great testimony to the Muslim world which thus realises that Christians too pray, believe in God and have an attitude of faith. Then I’d like to add that for those who live here there’s also the financial benefit that these groups bear with them and also boosts the local life". (continued)” “
