VATICAN CITY, MAR 9 (ZENIT.org).- The Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 dedicates three special events to the working world: March 18-19, the Craftsmen's Jubilee; May 1, the Workers' Jubilee; November 12, the Agricultural Workers' Jubilee. At a press conference in the Vatican this morning, all three events were discussed, especially the most imminent, the Jubilee of Craftsmen.

    During the meeting with reporters, Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary of the Vatican Jubilee Committee, explained that the Craftsmen's Jubilee "is a manifestation of the will of the Creator who wants man to perfect creation by making his contribution, in an attempt to make creation ever more beautiful."

    The key moment of the Craftsmens' Jubilee will take place on March 19, when men and women of this profession from all over the world meet with the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square. About 35,000 men and women of these professions are expected to attend. The event will begin the previous evening in the Basilica of St. John Lateran with a Prayer Vigil.

    The Workers' Jubilee will be held on May 1. As an enormous number of participants are expected, the event will be held on the outskirts of Rome (St. Peter's Square does not have sufficient space). Labor unions of different persuasions from several countries are committed to participate. In Italy the support for this event on the part of the unions is virtually complete. In the morning of their special Jubilee, workers will attend a Mass with the Pontiff. In the afternoon, they will enjoy a Labor Day concert, whose theme will be the cancellation of the poor countries' debt.

    Finally, on November 12, St. Peter's Square will welcome agricultural laborers from around the world. The theme of their celebration will be: "Land of God, Land for Man." It is a reminder to safeguard and preserve the earth's wealth.

    During the press conference to present these Jubilees, attention was called to the fact that the Jubilees are not just for those who enjoy the right to work, but the Church also keeps in mind all those who at this time do not enjoy such a right. ZE00030907