Published on March 24, 2011 | by Andrea Guerriero
0May Day in Rome: workers sanctify Karol Wojtyla
Hotels, hostels, guest houses, sacred sites, monuments, museums, are warming up for a May Day that will be remembered in the history of the city of Rome. The capital of Italy, which this year celebrates the 150th anniversary of its unification, that day will rejoice a double event: the Labor Day and the appointments for the beatification of Pope John Paul II.
Rome will be invaded by millions of workers, tourists and faithful in a truly memorable day, for which even the Municipality has invested several million Euros to ease the welcoming of the inflow. The appointment with the classic May Day great concert in Piazza San Giovanni is guaranteed, and there will also be numerous religious events.
Starting from the day before: on April 30, at theCircus Maximus there will be a prayer vigil from 8.00 pm to 10.30pm. On May 1st, in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope will preside at the Beatification Mass at 10 am and all day the faithful can venerate the mortal remains of Blessed John Paul II. On May 2, always in St. Peter’s Square, the Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone will preside at the 10:30 thanksgiving Mass for the beatification.
All religious and political events are absolutely free. Beware and report anyone trying to sell tickets for these events. For the occasion, the Vatican Museums will be open also in the evening on April 26-27-28-29 and May 2, from 7pm to midnight. It is worth remembering that for your stays in these so important secular and religious days, advanced booking at the hotels is absolutely recommended.
Photo by archer10 (Dennis)