June 20, 06

Priests and Religious to Receive Pope in Valencia

VALENCIA, Spain, JUNE 11, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Priests, cloistered nuns and religious of Valencia will receive Benedict XVI when he arrives in Spain for the 5th World Meeting of Families.

According to Archbishop Augustin Garcia-Gasco of Valencia, after the Pope lands in the Manises airport July 8 he will visit the city's cathedral and be received by more than 800 priests, cloistered nuns and a representation of religious of the dioceses.

All the bishops of the Spanish episcopal conference will welcome the Holy Father in the chapel of the Holy Chalice of the Last Supper, also located in the cathedral.

The Pontiff will venerate the relic for a few moments, which will be place on his altar, confirmed the organizers of the meeting of families.

On the same day, after visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Helpless and praying to the patroness of Valencia, Benedict XVI will pray the midday Angelus in the basilica square with Spanish seminarians and their relatives.

Benedict XVI will visit Spain July 8-9 to preside over the last two days of the World Meeting of Families.