Celebrations are underway from 9 to 10 June for the fortieth anniversary of the Neocatechumenal Way in Berlin. Several events are planned, including: a Eucharistic celebration of thanksgiving, the presentation of the book “Annotations” from the initiator Kiko Argüello, and the Symphonic-Catechetic celebration The suffering of the Innocents by the Berlin Philharmonic, composed by Argüello himself, in which the victims of the Shoah are commemorated.

The following is the Holy Father Francis’ message, sent on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the archbishop of Berlin, H.E. Msgr. Heiner Koch, on the occasion of the concert by the Berlin Philharmonic:

Message

His Excellency Msgr. Heiner Koch
Archbishop of Berlin

Pope Francis has learned with joy of the performance of the symphony “The suffering of the innocent” by Kiko Argüello, which will be held in Berlin, and greets all those who are gathered for this event at the Berliner Philarmonie. Rooted in tradition and inspired by the biblical lamentations, this symphony commemorates the many victims of the Shoah. The memory of this atrocious violence, of the unspeakable pain and of the extermination of a people, must never fade. Rather, it is a constant warning to us all to be committed to reconciliation, to mutual understanding and to love towards our “elder brothers”, the Jews, and at the same time to a life dedicated to the suffering, the needy and all those who profoundly yearn for salvation. The Holy Father joins in this intention and heartily invokes God’s merciful blessing upon all those present.

With the best personal wishes.

Pietro Cardinal Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness