Pope Francis on visit to Roman parish of San Tommaso Apostolo

(Vatican Radio) This Sunday, Pope Francis is visiting the parish of San Tommaso in the Roman neighbourhood of Infernetto. The visit began at roughly 4PM Rome Time, with the Holy Father being welcomed by thousands of faithful. Located on the outskirts of the city near the ancient port of Ostia, the parish territory is home to some 20 thousand people. The parish services include an “Oratory” or playground for young people, a Caritas outreach, regular blood donation drives, a Center for the Elderly, and the San Tommaso Association that is tasked with marshalling resources for the neighbourhood’s needy and for the support of missionary efforts in other parts of the world.

Pope Francis is scheduled to say Mass at 6PM in the recently completed and dedicated parish church, after hearing the confessions of a number of penitents. The occasion of the visit is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the parish, dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle. Between his arrival and the celebration of Mass, the scheduled of the Holy Father's visit also includes a meeting with the children and young people making their First Communion and Confirmation, an exchange of greetings with the parish faithful in the courtyard in front of the church, some time with children baptized in recent months and with their parents, with the elderly, the sick, and with the Parish-sponsored association of families with disabled children.

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