VATICAN CITY, 29 (NE) Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, informed in a recent interview published by the Italian daily Avvenire about the preparations for the Jubilee of priests. The Cardinal recalled that this Jubilee will begin on May 14 and will finish on May 18, day of the 80th birthday of Pope John Paul II.

    Cardinal Castrillon stated that preparations for this Jubilee began 4 years ago with the international encounter of priests in Fatima (1996). After this event, this "Marian pilgrimage" has continued, in Yamassoukro (1997), Guadalupe (1998) and last year in the Holy Land. "On this occasion the pilgrimage reaches its final goal in Rome, to cross the Holy Door."

    The Cardinal also stated that this Jubilee will be a very special occasion for its participants to recall and deepen in the truth that "all priests act in the name and in the persons of Christ." This is also an occasion to "renew the joyful conscience of the marvelous gift God has granted us in priesthood," Cardinal Castrillon remarked.