October 2, 2011. (Romereports.com) Each year a group athletes takes on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Among
the many sporting activities is one called “Run for Peace.” The pilgrimage is dedicated to John Paul II and it's even called the JPII Games. It will take place from October 21st to the 25th.
On October 24th a 12 mile race between Bethlehem and Jerusalem is scheduled. It's a race take will take runners through security checkpoint in Israeli and Palestinian territories.
Fr. Caesar Atuire
CEO, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“The idea of the JPII Games is to offer an occasion in order to use the language of sport to create moments of encounter, and to say that we can actually dream of a better way of living together between Palestinians and Israelis”.
The pilgrimage is celebrating its eighth year. This time around, the pilgrims will hold a special Mass on October 22th in Nazareth in honor of the Polish pope.
Msgr. Liberio Andreatta
Vice President, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“The pilgrimage and sport are the two elements that John Paul II lived as a ministry since he was a young priest. Once elected pope, they also became two important tools of his pastoral.”
Unlike other years, this year 100 young people from Haiti will be joining the other 300 participants from Palestine, Israel and Italy. Another first will be a soccer game with professional athletes from each one of those countries.
Msgr. Liberio Andreatta
Vice President, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi
“We would like to take this initiative internationally, so that the entire world can come. Above all that one can go freely to Palestine and Israel, with security, and with respect for diversity.”
The JPII games is a way to combine athletics with a pilgrimage. Using both as instruments of unity and peace for youths from every corner of the world.
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