ROME -- Peter Pan Onlus, an organisation which helps children and young people suffering from cancer, has invited Pope Francis to join them for a moment of prayer at St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday.

 The President of Peter Pan Onlus, Giovanna Leo, wrote a letter to Pope Francis asking him to join their association in prayer at 8.45am on Wednesday before he is scheduled to leave for the World Youth Day. The event will take place at the tomb of Pope John Paul II during the celebration of holy mass, together with the children and young people from the association who are fighting against cancer.

 The organisation will ask Pope Francis to take the prayers from the families of the sick children and young people with him to the World Youth Day so that they can be united with prayers from young people all around the world, in order that those suffering might be able to regain their health.

 The occasion will be led by Polish priest Don Jarek Cielecki, who has made possible the opportunity to create this union with the World Youth Day.

 During the prayers, two candles brought forward by Father Jarek will be lit, one with the image of Jesus which was blessed by the priest in Vilnius, and the other with the face of Pope John Paul II which was blessed in Wadowice.

 Furthermore, from Thursday to Sunday at 9.30am at the same place, the intercessory prayer will be said for the families and children of Peter Pan Onlus and for all young people suffering from illnesses, in unison with Pope Francis who will at that time be praying for all young people at the World Youth Day in Poland.

  Since 2000, the voluntary association Peter Pan Onlus has been welcoming and supporting hundreds of families who have had to come to Rome in order to care for their children suffering from cancer, in their three facilities at the foot of the Janiculum hill. Here, at the hospital ‘Bambino Gesu’, Peter Pan Onlus is able to support and care for young cancer sufferers thanks to the daily commitment of around 200 volunteers as well as generous donations from citizens and businesses.  

 More information about the association can be found on their website: www.peterpanonlus.it, or by contacting Father Jarek on 338.1514450 or at www.padrejarek.pl

 se